Meanings
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1
noun
anatomy and zoology: a spur-shaped projection or process
The calcar forms a small spur-like projection beside the cavity.
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2
noun
historical: a small furnace used to calcine sand and potash in glassmaking
Workers heated sand and potash in the calcar before the mixture entered the glass furnace.
Thesaurus
Etymology
The anatomical noun is from Latin calcar ("spur"), whose shape supplied the comparison. The furnace noun has a separate history through Italian calcara ("lime kiln"), ultimately related to Latin calx ("lime").