Chalkiness

chalk  (chôk)

n.

1. A soft compact calcite, CaCO₃, with varying amounts of silica, quartz, feldspar, or other mineral impurities, generally gray-white or yellow-white and derived chiefly from fossil seashells.

2.

a. A piece of chalk or chalklike substance in crayon form, used for marking on a blackboard or other surface.

b. Games A small cube of chalk used in rubbing the tip of a billiard or pool cue to increase its friction with the cue ball.

3. A mark made with chalk.

4. Chiefly British A score or tally.

tr.v. chalked, chalk·ing, chalks

1. To mark, draw, or write with chalk: chalked my name on the blackboard.

2. To rub or cover with chalk, as the tip of a billiard cue.

3. To make pale; whiten.

4. To treat (soil, for example) with chalk.

Phrasal Verb:

chalk up

1. To earn or score: chalk up points.

2. To credit or ascribe: Chalk that up to experience.

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[Middle English, from Old English cealk, from Latin calx, calc-, lime; see calx.]

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chalki·ness n.

chalky adj.