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

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

The president defended his controversial decision to turn the manicured garden into a big stone patio on Saturday, while sharing a video of a construction worker damaging the limestone.

From Salon

It would eventually lead to a refrigerated vault 200 feet below ground in a former limestone mine in rural Pennsylvania.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, earlier this summer, that lawn was replaced with limestone pavers.

From Salon

We brought flashlights to hunt for fossils in the limestone beds, though mostly we just wandered.

From Salon

It’s the most abstract of the bunch, inspired by “liquid deposits in limestone caves,” something I’ve never encountered and likely never will.

From Los Angeles Times