calcium chloride

American  

noun

1. a white, lumpy, deliquescent solid, CaCl 2 , usually derived from calcium carbonate by reaction with hydrochloric acid, or as a by-product of various commercial processes: used chiefly as a drying agent and preservative and for preventing dust.

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calcium chloride British  

noun

1. a white deliquescent salt occurring naturally in seawater and used in the de-icing of roads and as a drying agent. Formula: CaCl 2

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calcium chloride Scientific  

1. A white crystalline salt that attracts water very strongly. It is used in refrigeration and is spread on roads to melt ice and control dust. Chemical formula: CaCl ₂ .

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Etymology

Origin of calcium chloride

First recorded in 1880–85

Compare meaning

How does calcium-chloride compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• calcium gluconate vs. calcium chloride

Example Sentences

Monday in the area of Low Line and Magnolia roads in Morgan County and the nine derailed cars contained dry cement, calcium chloride and sodium hydroxide, according to CSX and county officials.

From Seattle Times

Moreover, additives like calcium chloride and artificial coloring are allowed in Parmesan, as are other nontraditional steps in the cheesemaking process.

From Salon

The coolant in Sunday's leak was a solution of calcium chloride, used in concrete mixes to hasten setting and in food to firm it.

From Reuters

Every winter, de-icing salts — sodium chloride, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride — battle icy roads nationwide.

From Washington Post

Still, calcium chloride does put chloride ion, which plants don’t like, into the soil, and it is more expensive and more corrosive to vehicles than sodium chloride.

From Washington Times