limestone

[ lahym-stohn ]

noun

1. a sedimentary rock consisting predominantly of calcium carbonate, varieties of which are formed from the skeletons of marine microorganisms and coral: used as a building stone and in the manufacture of lime.

limestone

/ ˈlaɪmˌstəʊn /

noun

1. a sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcium carbonate, deposited as the calcareous remains of marine animals or chemically precipitated from the sea: used as a building stone and in the manufacture of cement, lime, etc

limestone

/ līm′stōn′ /

1. A sedimentary rock consisting primarily of calcium carbonate, often in the form of the minerals calcite or aragonite, and sometimes with magnesium carbonate in the form of dolomite. Minor amounts of silica, feldspar, pyrite, and clay may also be present. Limestone can occur in many colors but is usually white, gray, or black. It forms either through the accumulation and compaction of fossil shells or other calcium-carbonate based marine organisms, such as coral, or through the chemical precipitation of calcium carbonate out of sea water.

limestone

1. Sedimentary rock formed primarily of calcium carbonate, often the skeletons of small marine organisms.

Word History and Origins

Origin of limestone¹

First recorded in 1515–25; lime ² + stone

Example Sentences

Its hulking form and heavy materials — oceans of granite, limestone and concrete — created an intimidating place that stood for strength, power and winning.

From Los Angeles Times

The blue paint mixed with limestone plaster - also used in the homes of Brahmapuri - cooled the interiors of the structures, besides bringing in tourists drawn by the neighbourhood’s striking appearance.

From BBC

When a new electric arc furnace is completed, with £500m of taxpayers' cash, and production returns, it will be without coal, iron ore or limestone.

From BBC

Four years later, renovation work saw limestone blocks cemented on top of the slabs, which sparked accusations that it had spoiled the stones' natural beauty.

From BBC

They found the same difference in shape between Earth lakes known to have been eroded by waves and lakes affected by uniform erosion, such as dissolving limestone.

From Science Daily