How Do You Spell CALCAMINE?

Pronunciation: [kˈalkɐmˌiːn] (IPA)

The word "calcamine" refers to a type of pink or red pigment used in paint and cosmetics. Its spelling is derived from its components: "calca-" from the Latin word "calx" meaning "lime" and "-mine" likely from the French word "mine" meaning "ore". Its IPA phonetic transcription is /kælˈkəmaɪn/, where the stress is on the second syllable. The pronunciation features a "k" sound followed by two short "a" sounds, a "k" sound, a "schwa" sound, a long "i" sound, and a final "n" sound.

CALCAMINE Meaning and Definition

1. Calcamine is a type of paint that is specifically formulated with a high proportion of white lead or other similar substances, often mixed with zinc. It is commonly used as a protective and decorative coating for metal surfaces, particularly on outdoor structures or items such as fences, railings, gates, and sheds.

   The term "calcamine" is derived from the Latin word "calx," meaning lime or chalk, which refers to the powdery consistency of the white lead or zinc used in the paint. This type of paint has been used for centuries due to its excellent durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to cover imperfections on metal surfaces.

   Calcamine is typically applied in thin layers and dries to form a hard and smooth finish. It is known for its high opacity, providing excellent coverage and minimizing the visibility of the underlying metal. The paint also offers good adherence to different substrates and can withstand various weather conditions, including rain, heat, and sunlight.

   However, it is important to note that calcamine paint contains lead, which is a toxic substance. Due to health and environmental concerns, the use of calcamine has been restricted or banned in many countries. Nowadays, alternative non-toxic paints are widely used for metal surfaces, ensuring both protection and safety.

Common Misspellings for CALCAMINE

• xalcamine
• valcamine
• falcamine
• dalcamine
• czlcamine
• cslcamine
• cwlcamine
• cqlcamine
• cakcamine
• capcamine
• caocamine
• calxamine
• calvamine
• calfamine
• caldamine
• calczmine
• calcsmine
• calcwmine
• calcqmine
• calcanine

Etymology of CALCAMINE

The word "Calcamine" is believed to have originated from the Latin word "calx", which means lime or chalk. "Calcamine" specifically refers to a type of paint traditionally made from white lead mixed with lime water. The suffix "-mine" likely comes from the Latin word "minium", which means red lead. Over time, "calcamine" has come to refer to a specific shade of pinkish-red color derived from the use of red lead in the paint mixture.