gypsum

noun

gyp·​sum ˈjip-səm How to pronounce gypsum (audio)
1
: a widely distributed mineral consisting of hydrous calcium sulfate that is used especially as a soil amendment and in making plaster of paris
2

Examples of gypsum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Gleaming gypsum crystal dunes roll as far as the eye can see at White Sands National Park. Alexandra Toto, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2023 Walls covered with horizontal reclaimed cypress boards lend a subtle texture and aroma that gypsum drywall just can’t provide. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2023 Gypsum treatment: Applying gypsum to your lawn helps counteract the effects of high nitrogen levels in dog urine by balancing soil pH levels. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2023 The location gets its name from the blindingly white gypsum sand dunes native to the base. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 18 July 2023 According to the researchers, gypsum burials have been found elsewhere in Europe and North Africa. Christopher Parker, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2023 The clinker is then ground into a fine powder and mixed with other materials, such as gypsum, to make cement. David Abel, BostonGlobe.com, 14 June 2023 The finding of microscopic traces of gypsum plaster means a cast of the stone could have once been made. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 1 May 2023 The incident began last year when the company in charge of Piney Point, HRK Holdings, found a tear in the liner of a gypsum stack. Li Cohen, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2022 See More

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

Latin, from Greek gypsos

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gypsum was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near gypsum

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

gypsum

noun
gyp·​sum ˈjip-səm How to pronounce gypsum (audio)
: a colorless mineral that consists of calcium sulfate occurring in crystals or masses and that is used especially as a soil improver and in making plaster of paris

Medical Definition

gypsum

noun
gyp·​sum ˈjip-səm How to pronounce gypsum (audio)
: a widely distributed mineral CaSO4·2H2O consisting of hydrous calcium sulfate that is used especially as a soil amendment and in making plaster of paris

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