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

Cowles has also tried intercropping, planting other species, such as asparagus, in between the trees, to improve resistance to disease, and enriching the soil with nontoxic minerals like calcium. —Angela Eichhorst, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026

The fortifying complex contains ceramides, calcium, and amino acids, a combination of ingredients that support and repair the skin barrier. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026

Stones was prescribed a chewable tablet providing 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily, along with a weekly dose of prescription alendronic acid — also known as alendronate. —Hadia Zainab, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026

With more than a dozen varieties grown in and around SoCal, in 2026 alone, heads (of cabbage) will roll if Angelenos can’t get their fix of this vitamin-rich, potassium-laden, calcium-blasted antioxidant VIP in 2026. —Rebecca Leib, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 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