quicklime

noun

quick·​lime ˈkwik-ˌlīm How to pronounce quicklime (audio)

Examples of quicklime in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Studying the architecture of the Maya ruins of Copán, south of Tikal, and consulting indigenous people in the area, a team of mineralogists from the University of Granada in Spain found in that Maya builders infused their quicklime with the sap of two native tree species, chukum and jiote. Tim Brinkhof, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023 Allen used significant amounts of quicklime, a chemical powder, to boil the moisture from the dirt. Zach Helfand, The New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2023 These were variously used by pilgrims, passing merchants (whose donations were a vital source of income) and resident ascetics, some of whom submitted themselves to ordeals such as lying on caustic quicklime, wearing heavy chains, or keeping an arm in one position for years on end. CNN, 31 Oct. 2018 The process is simple: Take some limestone, heat it up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, mix the resulting quicklime with some water, and allow the carbon dioxide in the air to work its hardening magic. Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 2 May 2023 To test the theory, his team created concrete both with and without quicklime. WIRED, 3 Feb. 2023 Masic hopes the work will inspire today’s engineers to improve their own concrete, perhaps with quicklime or a related compound. Byjacklin Kwan, science.org, 6 Jan. 2023 When mixed with water, quicklime reacts and produces heat. WIRED, 3 Feb. 2023 Those reservoirs of calcium, starting out as quicklime, can expand when hydrated, creating cloth-like nanoparticles. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 3 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quicklime.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near quicklime

Cite this Entry

“Quicklime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quicklime. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

quicklime

noun
quick·​lime ˈkwik-ˌlīm How to pronounce quicklime (audio)
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