Word Study
Calamine
CIDE DICTIONARY
Calamine, n. [F. calamine, LL. calamina, fr. L. Cadmia. See Cadmia.].
A mineral, the hydrous silicate of zinc. [1913 Webster]
" The name was formerly applied to both the carbonate and silicate of zinc each of which is valuabic as an ore; but it is now usually restricted to the latter, the former being called smithsonite." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Calamine, n.
1 a pink powder consisting of zinc carbonate and ferric oxide used as a lotion or ointment.
2 a zinc mineral usu. zinc carbonate.
1 a pink powder consisting of zinc carbonate and ferric oxide used as a lotion or ointment.
2 a zinc mineral usu. zinc carbonate.
Etymology
ME f. F f. med.L calamina alt. f. L cadmia: see CADMIUM
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