BURNT LIME Meaning and
Definition
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Burnt lime, also known as quicklime or calcium oxide, is a caustic inorganic compound that is obtained by heating limestone or chalk in a kiln at a temperature above 1000°C (1832°F). It is produced by the process of calcination, which drives off carbon dioxide from the raw materials and leaves behind calcium oxide as the main product.
The resulting burnt lime is a white, crystalline solid with a high melting point, non-volatile, and highly alkaline in nature. It is sparingly soluble in water but reacts vigorously with it, producing heat and forming slaked lime, or calcium hydroxide. This exothermic reaction is often used in various industrial applications, such as in the production of cement, mortar, and plaster.
Burnt lime is also utilized as an agricultural amendment to neutralize acidic soils due to its alkaline nature. It helps regulate the pH levels of acidic soils, making them more suitable for plant growth. Additionally, burnt lime is employed in waste water treatment, where its alkalinity aids in the removal of impurities and adjusts the pH of the water.
However, it should be handled with caution as it poses certain hazards. Direct contact with burnt lime can cause severe skin and eye irritation, and inhalation of its fine particles or dust can irritate the respiratory system. Therefore, appropriate safety measures should be followed when working with burnt lime to minimize potential risks.
Common Misspellings for BURNT LIME
- vurnt lime
- nurnt lime
- hurnt lime
- gurnt lime
- byrnt lime
- bhrnt lime
- bjrnt lime
- birnt lime
- b8rnt lime
- b7rnt lime
- buent lime
- budnt lime
- bufnt lime
- butnt lime
- bu5nt lime
- bu4nt lime
- burbt lime
- burmt lime
- burjt lime
Etymology of BURNT LIME
The word "burnt lime" has a straightforward etymology. The term "lime" comes from the Middle English word "lyme", which traces back to the Old English word "līm". "Līm" originally referred to any sticky or viscous substance and eventually became specifically associated with limestone or chalk. On the other hand, the word "burnt" indicates that the lime has undergone a process called calcination, where limestone is heated at a high temperature to produce lime. Therefore, "burnt lime" simply refers to lime that has been produced by heating limestone.
Similar spelling words for BURNT LIME
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