calcium hydroxide

noun

: a white crystalline strong alkali Ca(OH)₂ that is used especially to make mortar and plaster and to soften water

Examples of calcium hydroxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the case of masa, the calcium hydroxide dissolves part of the outer seed coat of corn kernels and breaks down the fats and proteins in the germ. — Mackenzie Chung Fegan, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 June 2024

Finally, a coat of calcium hydroxide was applied to boost its carbon capture properties. — New Atlas, 10 July 2025

This happens when the salt combines with the calcium hydroxide in the concrete, which then expands and causes micro-fractures throughout the concrete. — Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 23 Jan. 2026

To make the electrodes, the researchers first shredded bottles into 2-millimeter grains and then added powdered calcium hydroxide. — Perri Thaler, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for calcium hydroxide

• monoxide
• tetroxide

Kids Definition

calcium hydroxide

noun

: a white compound in the form of crystals that is used especially in making mortar and plaster and in softening water

Medical Definition

calcium hydroxide

noun

: a strong alkali Ca(OH)₂ commonly sold in water solution or as an ingredient of bleaching powder see limewater, soda lime