Quicklime: meaning, definitions and examples
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quicklime
[ ˈkwɪk.laɪm ]
chemical compound
Quicklime, also known as calcium oxide, is a white, caustic, alkaline crystalline solid at room temperature. It is produced by heating limestone (calcium carbonate) in a process known as calcination. Quicklime is highly reactive and is used in various industrial processes, including the production of cement and in water treatment.
Synonyms
calcined lime, calcium oxide
Examples of usage
- The construction industry utilizes quicklime to produce mortar.
- Quicklime is effective in neutralizing acidic water.
- Farmers often use quicklime to improve soil quality.
- During the 19th century, quicklime was commonly used in building projects.
Translations
Translations of the word "quicklime" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cal virgem
🇮🇳 चूने का पत्थर
🇩🇪 Brannt kalk
🇮🇩 kapur tohor
🇺🇦 вапно негашене
🇵🇱 wapno palone
🇯🇵 生石灰
🇫🇷 chaux vive
🇪🇸 cal viva
🇹🇷 sönmemiş kireç
🇰🇷 소석회
🇸🇦 الجير الحي
🇨🇿 vápno pálené
🇸🇰 vápno pálené
🇨🇳 生石灰
🇸🇮 živo apno
🇮🇸 lifandi kalk
🇰🇿 сұйық әк
🇬🇪 ცოცხალი ლაიმი
🇦🇿 yaşıl qaya
🇲🇽 cal viva
Etymology
The term 'quicklime' originates from the Middle English word 'quik' meaning 'alive' or 'living', which reflects the compound's highly reactive nature when it comes in contact with water. The 'lime' part comes from the Old French 'lime', which itself derives from the Latin 'calx', meaning 'lime' or 'lime stone'. Quicklime has been used since ancient times, primarily for its ability to absorb moisture and carbon dioxide from the air, leading to its application in construction and metallurgy. The process of producing quicklime from limestone involves heating the stone to temperatures around 900 to 1000 degrees Celsius, a practice that was well-known to ancient civilizations such as the Romans and the Chinese, who utilized it for building materials and agricultural purposes. Through the centuries, its applications have expanded, solidifying its importance in various industries worldwide.