Skip to the word

Added 9 October 2026

cement

/səˈmɛnt/ noun

In Latin: ferrūmen Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about cement at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A powdered substance produced by firing (calcining) calcium carbonate (limestone) and clay that develops strong cohesive properties when mixed with water. The main ingredient of concrete.
The paste-like substance resulting from mixing such a powder with water, or the rock-like substance that forms when it dries.
Any material with strong adhesive and cohesive properties such as binding agents, glues, grout.

verb

To affix with cement.
To overlay or coat with cement.
to cement a cellar floor
To unite firmly or closely.

Origin

From Middle English syment, cyment, from Old French ciment, from Latin caementum (“quarry stone; stone chips for making mortar”), from caedō (“to cut, hew”). Doublet of cementum.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Back to today's word