Definition

Made up of or containing calcium carbonate, often found in limestone or chalky materials.

Example

The calcareous soil in the region is ideal for growing certain types of plants.

Conversation

Did you know that some plants thrive in calcareous soils?

I didn’t know that! What kind of plants are we talking about?

Mostly those that need a lot of calcium, like certain wildflowers.

That’s interesting! I’ll have to look for those next time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Calcareous → It is formed from "calx" (meaning lime) and the suffix "-ous" (meaning full of or having the qualities of). The word "calcareous" refers to something that is full of or contains lime, typically used in geology to describe rocks or soils rich in calcium carbonate.

Memory Tip

Think of 'lime' ('calx') being present in something, which helps you remember that 'calcareous' means it is full of lime.

Visually Confused Words