gypsum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “gypsum” mean?
A soft, white, or grey mineral consisting of hydrated calcium sulphate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A soft, white, or grey mineral consisting of hydrated calcium sulphate.
The mineral used to make plaster of Paris or Plaster of Paris itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The product 'Plaster of Paris' (made from gypsum) is a more common term in UK contexts for casting material.
Connotations
In both varieties, it primarily denotes a technical or industrial material.
Frequency
More frequent in technical/construction contexts than in general language in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “gypsum” in a Sentence
[to be] made of gypsum[to be] composed of gypsum[to mine/extract] gypsumVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gypsum” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The walls were gypsumed to a smooth finish.
- The historical wall was found to be gypsumed.
American English
- The contractor will gypsum the ceiling panels.
- The studio was gypsumed for soundproofing.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The gypsum-rich soil affected the plants.
- A gypsum-based mortar was specified.
American English
- We need gypsum board for the partition.
- Gypsum deposits are found in the region.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a commodity in the building materials industry.
Academic
Used in geology, mineralogy, chemistry, archaeology, and construction science.
Everyday
Rare, except in contexts like home renovation ('gypsum board' for drywall).
Technical
The precise mineralogical term for CaSO4·2H2O.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gypsum”
- Incorrect spelling: 'gypssum', 'gipsum'.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /ˈɡaɪpsəm/ (like 'guy').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Gypsum is the natural mineral (calcium sulphate dihydrate). Plaster of Paris is the product created by heating gypsum to remove most of the water, forming a powder that rehydrates and hardens.
It's pronounced /ˈdʒɪpsəm/ (JIP-suhm), with a soft 'g' as in 'gin'. The 'y' is short as in 'dip'.
Gypsum board, also known as drywall, plasterboard, or wallboard, used for interior walls and ceilings.
In its raw mineral form, it is non-toxic and inert. However, inhaling fine dust from cutting or sanding gypsum board can irritate the respiratory system.
A soft, white, or grey mineral consisting of hydrated calcium sulphate.
Gypsum is usually technical/specialist in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Gypsy' + 'sum'. A travelling mineral ('gypsy') that adds up ('sum') to make walls and sculptures.
Conceptual Metaphor
GYPSUM IS A SOFT WHITE CANVAS (for construction and art).
Practice
Quiz
In which industry is gypsum *least* likely to be a key material?