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 Nearly a mile of Verde River slices through Rockin’ River Ranch, a robust riparian corridor that curves beneath a wall of white gypsum cliffs. Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 In addition to fill, coal ash also is often used in the production of gypsum wallboard and concrete. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 According to the park, from about 5,000 to 2,000 B.C.E., Native Americans explored the cave and mined for minerals like gypsum. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2024 If test shows calcium is lacking, then gypsum can be added. Marlene Simon, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024 White Sands National Park is the largest gypsum dunefield on Earth, and the park itself is surrounded by Holloman Air Force Base and the White Sands Missile Range. Geoffrey Morrison, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 Soluble rocks like limestone, dolomite, and gypsum are submerged under water, where the minerals slowly dissolve into the surrounding water. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 14 Nov. 2023 In a second step, the scientists also dated the quartz needles found amid the vast haystack of White Sands’ gypsum dunes. Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Oct. 2023 This clearwater pool is the northernmost of many cenotes along the Pecos River, which formed from dissolution of the gypsum bedrock. Mike Bezemek, Outside Online, 13 Apr. 2023

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 28 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on gypsum

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