limestone

/'laimstoun/

Thân thiện

A geologist examines a limestone cliff by the sea.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sedimentary rock: A type of rock that forms from the accumulation and compression of mineral and organic particles over long periods.
   • Composed mainly of calcium carbonate: Its primary chemical component is CaCO₃, which originates from the skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral and shells.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The region is known for its extensive limestone caves.
  • Limestone is often used in the construction of buildings and monuments.
  • Acid rain can slowly dissolve limestone structures.

Advanced Usage

• "Karst topography": A landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone, characterized by sinkholes, caves, and underground streams.
  • The region's karst topography, shaped by limestone, attracts many geologists.

Variants and Related Words

• Limestone pavement (n): A natural karst landform consisting of a flat, incised surface of exposed limestone.
  • We hiked across the ancient limestone pavement.
• Limestone quarry (n): An open-pit mine where limestone is extracted.
  • The old limestone quarry is now a popular swimming spot.

Synonyms

• Calcareous rock: A general term for rocks rich in calcium carbonate.
• Chalk: A soft, white, porous sedimentary rock, a form of limestone composed of the mineral calcite.

Related Phrases

• "As solid as limestone": An idiom implying something is very hard, durable, or resistant to change.
  • Their agreement was as solid as limestone.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcium that was deposited by the remains of marine animals