Words / B2

LYMST-ohn/ˈlaɪmstəʊn/

Limestone is a sedimentary rock of calcium carbonate, used in buildings and in the carbon cycle: limestone pavement; limestone quarry. Chalk is a softer carbonate; granite is igneous. The Yorkshire case study used limestone pavement. Mix-up: lime is the fruit or the chemical (already in the dictionary); limewater is the test. Do not call any pale rock limestone without evidence.

Meaning

A rock formed from calcium carbonate, often used in buildings and in the carbon cycle.

Examples

• “The limestone pavement featured in the Yorkshire case study, not a granite cliff.”
• “Heat limestone in the limewater practical, which is the chemistry sense.”

Good to know

limestone pavement / quarry / scenery; carboniferous limestone. Softer twin: chalk. Trap: lime / limewater. Geography and chemistry. CaCO₃ rock, not a fruit.

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