calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

often attributive

: a metallic chemical element of the alkaline-earth group that occurs naturally only in combination and is essential to cellular functions in all known organisms see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of calcium in a Sentence

Her doctor said she should eat more foods that are high in calcium, such as milk and cheese.

Recent Examples on the Web

Because milk contains calcium, using diluted milk around tomato plants can benefit the soil by increasing calcium levels. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 11 May 2026

One of the best ways to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) is to follow an eating pattern high in nutrients like magnesium, fiber, calcium, and potassium, while reducing your intake of sodium. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 11 May 2026

The quasicrystal seen in trinitite is made of the same four elements—iron, silicon, copper and calcium—that make up the newfound clathrate. —Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 11 May 2026

Additionally, Greek yogurt is rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which support bone health and muscle function. —Oluseun Olufade, Verywell Health, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin calc-, calx lime

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing calcium

• calcium carbide
• calcium carbonate
• calcium channel blocker
• calcium chloride
• calcium citrate
• calcium cyanamide
• calcium gluconate
• calcium hydroxide
• calcium hypochlorite
• calcium oxalate
• calcium oxide
• calcium phosphate
• calcium silicate
• calcium sulfate

Rhymes for calcium

• dicalcium
• tricalcium

Kids Definition

calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

: a silver-white soft metallic element that is found only in combination with other elements (as in limestone) and is one of the necessary elements making up the bodies of most plants and animals see element

Etymology

derived from Latin calc-, calx "lime" — related to calculate, chalk

Medical Definition

calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

often attributive

: a silver-white bivalent metallic element that is an alkaline earth metal, occurs only in combination, and is an essential constituent of most plants and animals

—symbol Ca see Chemical Elements Table