Noun
/bɜrnt laɪm/
Burnt lime, also known as quicklime, is a chemical compound primarily composed of calcium oxide (CaO), produced by heating limestone (calcium carbonate) in a kiln. This process, called calcination, results in a white, caustic powder that is highly reactive with water, producing calcium hydroxide.
In English, "burnt lime" is often used in contexts related to construction, agriculture, and chemical manufacturing. Its frequency of use is less common in everyday conversation but is prevalent in scientific, industrial, and agricultural texts.
Frequency of Use: Fairly low in oral speech but more common in written contexts, particularly in technical or specialized fields.
Burnt lime is often used in construction to stabilize soil.
Burnt lime se utiliza a menudo en la construcción para estabilizar el suelo.
The application of burnt lime can help manage soil pH levels.
La aplicación de la cal viva puede ayudar a gestionar los niveles de pH del suelo.
Farmers use burnt lime to improve crop yields by neutralizing acidic soils.
Los agricultores utilizan cal viva para mejorar los rendimientos de los cultivos al neutralizar suelos ácidos.
While "burnt lime" is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, its related forms do appear in specialized language within construction and chemistry fields. The following examples highlight concepts tied to lime or similar terms:
Lime in the well - referring to something that is out of reach or too difficult to access.
Cuando le pedí que me ayudara, parecía tener la cal en el pozo; nunca estaba disponible.
(When I asked for help, he seemed to have the lime in the well; he was never available.)
Put a lime in the coconut - refers to mixing things together, often used in a fun context.
Ella decidió poner una cal en el coco al mezclar todas las frutas para la ensalada.
(She decided to put a lime in the coconut when mixing all the fruits for the salad.)
Lime and soda - often used to describe something that seems refreshing yet trivial.
El evento fue como un limón y agua, parecía prometedor pero fue decepcionante.
(The event was like lime and soda; it seemed promising but was disappointing.)
The term "burnt lime" derives from the process of burning limestone, which is a sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate. This process of heating limestone to produce "lime" has been used since ancient times, with the term "burnt" indicating the high-temperature treatment. The term "quicklime" stems from the Old English word "cwyc," meaning live or alive, as it reacts vigorously with water.
Synonyms: - Quicklime - Calcium oxide - Caustic lime
Antonyms: - Hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) - Slaked lime
In summary, "burnt lime" is a specialized term used primarily in technical contexts, with significant implications in various industries, particularly construction and agriculture. Its etymology reflects its origins, while its synonyms and antonyms illustrate its relationship with other chemical compounds.