Hypertext Webster Gateway: "calcium"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Calcium \Cal"ci*um\ (k[a^]l"s[i^]*[u^]m), n. [NL., from L. calx,
calcis, lime; cf F. calcium. See {Calx}.] (Chem.)
An elementary substance; a metal which combined with oxygen
forms lime. It is of a pale yellow color, tenacious, and
malleable. It is a member of the alkaline earth group of
elements. Atomic weight 40. Symbol Ca.
Note: Calcium is widely and abundantly disseminated, as in
its compounds calcium carbonate or limestone, calcium
sulphate or gypsum, calcium fluoride or fluor spar,
calcium phosphate or apatite.
{Calcium light}, an intense light produced by the
incandescence of a stick or ball of lime in the flame of a
combination of oxygen and hydrogen gases, or of oxygen and
coal gas; -- called also {Drummond light}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
calcium
n : a white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light;
the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust; an
important component of most plants and animals [syn: {Ca},
{atomic number 20}]
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