Calcinate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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calcinate
[หkรฆl.sษช.neษชt ]
Definition
chemical process
To calcinate means to heat a substance to high temperatures in air or oxygen, resulting in the decomposition of the material and the release of gases. This process is commonly used in the production of lime from limestone and can affect the properties of metals and minerals.
Synonyms
calcining, decomposing, roasting.
Examples of usage
- The limestone was calcined to produce quicklime.
- Calcination of the ore purified the metal.
- In the lab, we calcinate the sample to remove impurities.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Calcination is a critical step in the production of cement, which is essential for construction.
- It plays a significant role in metal extraction processes, where ores are transformed into oxides by heat.
Cultural Significance
- Historically, calcination techniques were known to humans as early as Ancient Egypt, where they used heat in metallurgy.
- In modern art, some artists use calcination methods to create unique textures in ceramics.
Environmental Impact
- The calcination process is often studied for its effects on greenhouse gas emissions, especially in cement production.
- Innovations aim to reduce the carbon footprint of calcination processes by using alternative materials and methods.
Industrial Applications
- In pharmaceutical industries, calcination is used to produce high-purity powders for medications.
- It is also vital in the production of high-performance batteries, like those used in electric vehicles.
Origin of 'calcinate'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'calcinate' comes from the Latin 'calcina', meaning 'lime', which refers to a product made from heating limestone.
- Related words include 'calcination' and 'calcium', highlighting its roots in chemistry and mineralogy.
The term 'calcinate' is derived from the Latin word 'calcinare', which means 'to lime' (from 'calx', meaning 'lime'). The word emphasized the process of heating materials to produce a form of lime from limestone. The usage of calcination can be traced back to ancient civilizations, which discovered that certain minerals change when heated, forming new compounds. Throughout history, calcination has played a critical role in metallurgy, mineral processing, and the production of ceramics, enabling the transformation of raw materials into essential substances, utilized in various industries today. With the evolution of chemistry, the term has become standardized within scientific literature, encapsulating the importance of heat treatment in material science.