plaster of Paris

or plaster of paris

noun

1. calcined gypsum in white, powdery form, used as a base for gypsum plasters, as an additive of lime plasters, and as a material for making fine and ornamental casts: characterized by its ability to set rapidly when mixed with water.

plaster of Paris

noun

1. a white powder that sets to a hard solid when mixed with water, used for making sculptures and casts, as an additive for lime plasters, and for making casts for setting broken limbs. It is usually the hemihydrate of calcium sulphate, 2CaSO 4 .H 2 O
2. the hard plaster produced when this powder is mixed with water: a fully hydrated form of calcium sulphate

plaster of Paris

/ plăs′tər /

1. A form of calcium phosphate derived from gypsum. It is mixed with water to make casts and molds.

Word History and Origins

Origin of plaster of Paris¹

1375–1425; late Middle English; so called because prepared from the gypsum of Paris, France

Word History and Origins

Origin of plaster of Paris¹

C15: from Medieval Latin plastrum parisiense, originally made from the gypsum of Paris

Example Sentences

The show consists of life-size figures, cast from live models in gauze and plaster of Paris, arranged in installations on two floors of the gallery’s townhouse.

From New York Times

So were plaster of Paris and foam blocks that could easily crumble with Godoy’s punches.

From Los Angeles Times

I still love using modeling clay, I love mixing plaster of Paris, I love using oil paints, and the smells!

From Los Angeles Times

The 292 replica bones and ribs which make up the skeleton, made from plaster of Paris, are being packed into 28 crates by staff at the Natural History Museum.

From BBC

Heritage noticed some residue in the grooves — plaster of Paris, a clue that they had been used in a stereotype printing process developed in the 1830s.

From New York Times

Related Words

• adhesive
• cement
• glue
• lime
• mortar
• stucco