ScienceAugust 30, 2026

calcareous

kal-KAIR-ee-uhs

Definition

Containing, made of, or consisting primarily of calcium carbonate, typically derived from the shells or skeletons of marine organisms.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'calcarius,' meaning 'pertaining to lime' or 'limy,' originating from 'calx,' the Latin word for lime.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe algae and other marine structures that are composed of calcium carbonate, which eventually break down to form beach sand.

Science says sand isn’t always made from rocks: Some beaches are built from the remains of living things

Read the full article ↗

The Economic Times

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