limestone
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“The white limestone cliffs along the coast are a famous local landmark.”
In context“Geologists identified the strata as fossiliferous limestone, indicating that the entire region was once submerged beneath a shallow tropical sea.”
UsageOften used uncountably when referring to the material, but countably when referring to specific geological formations.
Synonyms - 02 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.
Simple“Many of the old university buildings were constructed from local limestone.”
In context“The cathedral's facade features intricate carvings executed in fine-grained limestone, which has weathered to a soft grey over the centuries.”
From lime + stone.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.