cement
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a grey powder that you mix with water and sand to make concrete for building.
n.a powdered substance of calcined limestone and clay used as a binder in concrete and mortar.
Simple“The workers mixed the cement with water to start building the wall.”
In context“The construction crew required several tonnes of high-grade cement to complete the foundation before the heavy rains began.”
PitfallThe sidewalk is made of cement. The sidewalk is made of concrete.Cement is the powder ingredient; concrete is the finished hard material used for roads and paths.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.any strong glue or substance used to stick things together.
n.any material with strong adhesive properties used for bonding surfaces or filling gaps.
Simple“He used a special rubber cement to fix the puncture in his bike tyre.”
In context“The technician applied a thin layer of contact cement to the laminate, ensuring a permanent bond between the two surfaces.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.the hard, bone-like layer that covers the root of a tooth.
n.a specialised bony substance covering the root of a tooth, also known as cementum.
Simple“The dentist explained that the cement protects the root of the tooth under the gum.”
In context“Periodontal disease can lead to the erosion of the dental cement, eventually compromising the structural integrity of the tooth's attachment.”
Synonymscementum - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to make a relationship, agreement, or idea stronger and more permanent.
v.to establish a firm or permanent basis for a relationship, agreement, or reputation.
Simple“The two companies signed a deal to cement their partnership for the next five years.”
In context“The president hoped that the successful trade summit would cement his legacy as a master of international diplomacy.”
Synonyms - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to stick things together using cement or a similar strong substance.
v.to join or bond surfaces together using an adhesive agent.
Simple“You need to cement the pipes together carefully to prevent any leaks.”
In context“The artisan carefully cemented the mosaic tiles onto the backing, ensuring each piece was perfectly level with its neighbour.”
Usage cement alcohol
From Middle English syment, cyment, from Old French ciment, from Latin caementum (“quarry stone; stone chips for making mortar”), from caedō (“to cut, hew”). Doublet of cementum.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.