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 The parathyroid gland helps regulate calcium and phosphate, so these need to be checked. —

Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 8 Sep. 2023 The hot pools are between 99 and 112 degrees and have 32 minerals, including magnesium, calcium, lithium, and iron. —

Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2023 Your body can absorb calcium best at 500mg or less daily. —

Maggie O'Neill, Health, 6 Sep. 2023 The detachable water tank holds up to 37 ounces of water, and automatically filters out calcium, which helps prevent buildup on your iron in the long run. —

Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2023 Electrolytes such as calcium and salt are essential for maintaining proper muscle function and preventing cramping during exercise. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 29 Aug. 2023 That's because cow's milk—yes, not almond milk or oat milk or soy milk—is naturally high in calcium, a nutrient that promotes bone density, and protein, which contributes to muscle growth. —

Isadora Baum, Men's Health, 21 Aug. 2023 Yogurt Yogurt gives your baby calcium, protein, and phosphorus, which are important for healthy bones and teeth. —

Stephanie Karpinske, Parents, 17 Aug. 2023 Overuse of nitrogen fertilizer can also contribute to this tissue deficiency, as can soils that are too acidic (having a low pH) because this reduces calcium availability to roots. —

Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calcium.' 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

New Latin, from Latin calc-, calx lime

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of calcium was in 1808

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Calcium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calcium. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.

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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