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C15: from Medieval Latin plastrum parisiense, originally made from the gypsum of Paris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

Mix plaster-of-Paris into a stiff paste with distilled water, and fill each of the cork moulds with the paste.

From Project Gutenberg

Bronzing is that process by which figures of plaster-of-paris, wood, &c. are made to have the appearance of copper or brass.

From Project Gutenberg

Disinfecting agents are good remedies; a little plaster-of-Paris spread over a stable-floor is very useful.

From Project Gutenberg

The keeper there says I am a wonderful shot—I hit a plaster-of-Paris rabbit seven times in succession!

From Project Gutenberg

And I'll have to get all my art at second-hand, from magazines and gramophone records and plaster-of-Paris casts.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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