Word
limestone
Phoneticslime·stone, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫaɪmˌstoʊn/
UK/lˈaɪmstəʊn/
Definitions
01the rock type
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science
n. a hard, light-coloured rock that is formed under the sea from the shells of tiny creatures.
n. a sedimentary rock consisting predominantly of calcium carbonate, typically formed from the accumulation of organic remains such as shells and coral.
“The white limestone cliffs along the coast are a famous local landmark.”
“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.
Synonyms
02building material
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. this rock used as a material for making houses, walls, or statues.
n. limestone utilised as a primary material in architecture, masonry, and sculpture due to its relative ease of carving and durability.
“Many of the old university buildings were constructed from local limestone.”
“The cathedral's facade features intricate carvings executed in fine-grained limestone, which has weathered to a soft grey over the centuries.”
Real-World Examples
“Ancient Egypt has left us a wealth of artistic treasures, including wall paintings, wooden coffins and limestone reliefs.” “She published her first scientific paper, A Short Account Of A Bone Cave In The Carboniferous Limestone Of The Wye Valley, in 1901.” Etymology
From lime + stone.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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