gypsum

noun

gyp·sum | \ ˈjip-səm

How to pronounce gypsum (audio)

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Definition of gypsum

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 : drywall

Examples of gypsum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Together, the women made a hybrid — a film centered on a delicate performance from McDormand as Fern, a widow who takes to the road when her community becomes a ghost town after the closure of the nearby gypsum mine. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, "Chloé Zhao’s America," 16 Feb. 2021 Similar problems have occurred at other gypsum stacks in Florida, and industry officials have been attempting to find alternate waste disposal methods for years. — Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com, "Groups challenge EPA rule allowing roads built with gypsum waste, prevalent in Louisiana," 18 Dec. 2020 Stark-white gypsum sand dunes fill a 275-square-mile region that amounts to a veritable (and socially distant) playground for those willing to explore. — Washington Post, "From Oregon to Florida, the best winter road trips for RVs," 29 Oct. 2020 As Nick Squires reports for the Telegraph, the documents show that Leonardo purchased large quantities of gypsum and other supplies needed for preparatory work—but no paint. — Isis Davis-marks, Smithsonian Magazine, "Does Leonardo da Vinci’s Missing Masterpiece Actually Exist?," 14 Oct. 2020 For a geologist, the desert is a treasure trove, such as glistening gypsum fossils lying in the dry stream beds. — Richard Mason, Arkansas Online, "Warm memories of the Sahara," 23 Aug. 2020 However, joint compound dust is a respiratory irritant that contains super-fine gypsum and silica particulates. — Joseph Truini And Merle Henkenius, Popular Mechanics, "How to Repair Drywall: Common Ways to Fix Damaged Walls," 18 Aug. 2020 The chamber in New Mexico, with its 20-foot glittering gypsum formations hanging from the ceiling, is as iconic and well known to cave explorers around the world as Royal Albert Hall is to musicians, composers, and artists. — National Geographic, "Will this be the start of a new era?," 27 May 2020 An easy one-mile hike from the parking area will take you over a small field of gypsum sand dunes and face to face with an epic panorama of the park’s most famous peaks. — Emily Pennington, Outside Online, "Add Guadalupe Mountains to Your Must-Visit List," 1 May 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gypsum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

24 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Gypsum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gypsum. Accessed 4 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for gypsum

gypsum

noun

English Language Learners Definition of gypsum

: a white mineral that is used to make plaster of paris

See the full definition for gypsum in the English Language Learners Dictionary

gypsum

noun

gyp·sum | \ ˈjip-səm

\

Medical Definition of gypsum

: 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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