Definition of caliche
1 : the nitrate-bearing gravel or rock of the sodium nitrate deposits of Chile and Peru
2 : a crust of calcium carbonate that forms on the stony soil of arid regions
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of caliche from the Web
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There was little reason to pave our driveway, because white caliche rock tracks like glue and deposits all over the ground during wet weather.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'caliche.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
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See words that rhyme with caliche Nglish: Translation of caliche for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about caliche
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