chalky

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   containing or consisting of chalk or calcium carbonate

   The vines thrive in the region's chalky soil.

2. 2
   adj

   resembling chalk in pale color, dry texture, powderiness, or taste

   The medicine left a chalky taste in her mouth.

Formed from chalk + -y. Chalk comes through Old English cealc from Latin calx ("limestone or lime"), ultimately from Greek khalix ("pebble"). The figurative senses extend chalk's pale color and dry, powdery texture.

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