cement

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   concrete pavement is sometimes referred to as cement

   They stood on the grey cement beside the pool.

2. 2
   verb

   to make fast as if with cement

   We cemented our friendship by going to see a film.

3. 3
   noun

   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.

   In the autumn there was a row at some cement works about the unskilled labour men. A union had just been started for them and all but a few joined. One of these blacklegs was laid for by a picket and knocked out of time.

4. 4
   noun

   A bond of union; that which unites firmly, as persons in friendship or in society.

   The cement of our love.

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.

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