CALX

Etymology

Noun

calx (plural calxes or calces)

(now, chiefly, historical) The substance which remains after a metal or mineral has been thoroughly burnt, once seen as being the essential substance left after the expulsion of phlogiston, but now recognised as being the metallic oxide (or, in some cases, the metal in a state of sublimation).

In the Eton College wall game, an area at the end of the field where a shy can be scored by lifting the ball against the wall with one's foot.

Source: Wiktionary


Calx, n.; pl. E. Calxes, L. Calces. Etym: [L. Calx, calcis. limestone; cf. Gr. carraic rock Gael. carraig, W. careg, stone. Cf. Chalk.]

1. (Chem.) (a) Quicklime. [Obs.] (b) The substance which remains when a metal or mineral has been subjected to calcination or combustion by heat, and which is, or may be, reduced to a fine powder.

Note: Metallic calxes are now called oxides.

2. Broken and refuse glass, returned to the post.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

22 February 2025

ANALYSIS

(noun) the use of closed-class words instead of inflections: e.g., ‘the father of the bride’ instead of ‘the bride’s father’


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Coffee Trivia

In 1511, leaders in Mecca believed coffee stimulated radical thinking and outlawed the drink. In 1524, the leaders overturned that order, and people could drink coffee again.

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