calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

often attributive

: a metallic chemical element of the alkaline-earth group that occurs naturally only in combination and is essential to cellular functions in all known organisms see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of calcium in a Sentence

Her doctor said she should eat more foods that are high in calcium, such as milk and cheese.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rich in minerals like magnesium and calcium, the water helps hydrate and balance skin, while panthenol, allantoin, and betaine soothe and support the moisture barrier. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026

Canned salmon packed with bones can also contribute roughly 150–200 milligrams of calcium per 3 ounces, depending on the product. — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 5 Oct. 2026

Instead, research suggests that having the calcium deposits in the breasts can serve as an additional signal of elevated cardiovascular risk. — Ava Tsapatsaris, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2026

For children who have dairy allergies or are lactose intolerant, finding non-dairy versions of chocolate milk—such as chocolate almond milk—that are fortified with calcium and vitamin D can be a good replacement for nutrition. — Sarah Schlichter, Parents, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin calc-, calx lime

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing calcium

• calcium carbide
• calcium carbonate
• calcium channel blocker
• calcium chloride
• calcium citrate
• calcium cyanamide
• calcium gluconate
• calcium hydroxide
• calcium hypochlorite
• calcium oxalate
• calcium oxide
• calcium phosphate
• calcium silicate
• calcium sulfate

Rhymes for calcium

• dicalcium
• tricalcium

Kids Definition

calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

: a silver-white soft metallic element that is found only in combination with other elements (as in limestone) and is one of the necessary elements making up the bodies of most plants and animals see element

Etymology

derived from Latin calc-, calx "lime" — related to calculate, chalk

Medical Definition

calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

often attributive

: a silver-white bivalent metallic element that is an alkaline earth metal, occurs only in combination, and is an essential constituent of most plants and animals

—symbol Ca see Chemical Elements Table