portland cement
- Noun:
- A specific type of hydraulic cement: Portland cement is a fine, gray powder that sets and hardens when mixed with water. It is the most common type of cement used globally for general concrete construction. Its key property is that it hardens under water (hydraulic hardening), making it suitable for structures exposed to moisture.
Portland cement is used as a primary binding agent in concrete, mortar, stucco, and non-specialty grout. It is a fundamental material in construction and civil engineering. - As a mass noun (uncountable): It typically refers to the material in general. Example: The foundation requires several tons of portland cement. - As a countable noun (less common): Can refer to types or batches. Example: Different portland cements have varying setting times.
- Noun:
- Modern portland cement was invented in the early 19th century.
- The recipe for concrete mixes portland cement with aggregates like sand and gravel.
- This bag contains Type I portland cement, suitable for general purpose use.
- "Portland cement concrete": The full composite material made by mixing portland cement, water, and aggregates.
- "Portland cement manufacture": Refers to the industrial process of making the cement.
- Cement (general term): A broader category of binding materials. Portland cement is a specific type of cement.
- Hydraulic cement: A category of cements that set and harden under water, which includes portland cement.
- Clinker: The intermediate product (nodules) produced by heating limestone and clay in a kiln, which is then ground to make portland cement.
- Hydraulic cement (broader category synonym).
- Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) (a common specific type).
The name "Portland" comes from its resemblance, when hardened, to Portland stone, a high-quality limestone from the Isle of Portland in England. It does not refer to the city of Portland in the United States. The definition emphasizes its manufacturing process (heating limestone and clay) and its fundamental property (hardening under water).
- a cement that hardens under water; made by heating limestone and clay in a kiln and pulverizing the result