plaster of paris

noun phrase

plaster of par·​is -ˈper-əs How to pronounce plaster of paris (audio)
-ˈpa-rəs
often capitalized second P
: a white powdery slightly hydrated calcium sulfate CaSO4·¹/₂H2O or 2CaSO4·H2O made by calcining gypsum and used chiefly for casts and molds in the form of a quick-setting paste with water

Examples of plaster of paris in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The bunnies were originally crafted from plaster of paris, chicken wire, and camel hair. Sidney Steele, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'plaster of paris.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Paris, France

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plaster of paris was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near plaster of paris

Cite this Entry

“Plaster of paris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaster%20of%20paris. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

plaster of paris

plaster of par·​is -ˈpar-əs How to pronounce plaster of paris (audio)
often capitalized 2nd P
: a white powder made from gypsum that mixes with water to form a paste that hardens quickly and is used chiefly for casts and molds

Medical Definition

plaster of paris

noun
plaster of par·​is -ˈpar-əs How to pronounce plaster of paris (audio)
: a white powdery slightly hydrated calcium sulfate CaSO4·¹/₂H2O or 2CaSO4·H2O that is made by calcining gypsum, forms a quick-setting paste with water, and is used in medicine chiefly in casts and for surgical bandages

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