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caliche

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noun ca·li·che \kə-ˈlē-chē\

Definition of caliche

  1. 1 :  the nitrate-bearing gravel or rock of the sodium nitrate deposits of Chile and Peru

  2. 2 :  a crust of calcium carbonate that forms on the stony soil of arid regions

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Origin and Etymology of caliche

American Spanish, from Spanish, flake of lime, from cal lime, from Latin calx — more at chalk

Learn More about caliche

  1. See words that rhyme with caliche Nglish: Translation of caliche for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about caliche

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