ENGLISH
REFERENCE

limestone

n.
US //ˈɫaɪmˌstoʊn// UK //lˈaɪmstəʊn// lime·stone
  1. 1 the rock type (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    a hard, light-coloured rock that is formed under the sea from the shells of tiny creatures.

    a sedimentary rock consisting predominantly of calcium carbonate, typically formed from the accumulation of organic remains such as shells and coral.

    Example

    The white limestone cliffs along the coast are a famous local landmark.

    Example

    Geologists identified the strata as fossiliferous limestone, indicating that the entire region was once submerged beneath a shallow tropical sea.

    Usage

    Often used uncountably when referring to the material, but countably when referring to specific geological formations.
  2. 2 building material (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    this rock used as a material for making houses, walls, or statues.

    limestone utilised as a primary material in architecture, masonry, and sculpture due to its relative ease of carving and durability.

    Example

    Many of the old university buildings were constructed from local limestone.

    Example

    The cathedral's facade features intricate carvings executed in fine-grained limestone, which has weathered to a soft grey over the centuries.
Origin

From lime + stone.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference