Is slaked lime dangerous to handle?

Yes, it is a caustic base (alkali) and can cause skin and eye irritation. Proper protective equipment (gloves, goggles) should be used.

Can I use slaked lime in my garden?

Yes, it is used as a soil amendment to raise pH (reduce acidity). However, it must be applied in correct quantities based on a soil test.

What is the difference between slaked lime and hydrated lime?

They are synonyms. 'Hydrated lime' is the more modern, technical term, while 'slaked lime' is the traditional term describing the process.

Why is it called 'slaked' lime?

From the verb 'to slake,' meaning to quench or satisfy. Adding water 'slakes' the thirst of the highly reactive quicklime, rendering it less reactive and hydrating it.

Is “slaked lime” formal?

Slaked lime is usually formal, technical, historical. in register.

How do you pronounce “slaked lime”?

Slaked lime: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsleɪkt ˈlaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsleɪkt ˈlaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

slaked lime: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low frequency, specialized term.

UK/ˌsleɪkt ˈlaɪm/US/ˌsleɪkt ˈlaɪm/

Formal, technical, historical.

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Quick answer

What does “slaked lime” mean?

Calcium hydroxide, a chemical compound produced by adding water to quicklime (calcium oxide), used in construction, agriculture, and industrial processes.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Calcium hydroxide, a chemical compound produced by adding water to quicklime (calcium oxide), used in construction, agriculture, and industrial processes.

A white, powdery, alkaline substance with historical uses in mortar, water treatment, and as a disinfectant; chemically, it is a hydrated form of lime.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or technical application. Spelling and terminology are consistent.

Connotations

Neutral technical term in both varieties. In historical or rustic contexts, the word 'lime' alone may refer to it.

Frequency

Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to technical, industrial, historical, or agricultural texts.

Grammar

How to Use “slaked lime” in a Sentence

to produce slaked limeto treat with slaked limeto mix slaked lime withto apply slaked lime to

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

hydrated limecalcium hydroxidemason's limebuilders' lime

medium

with waterin mortarapplication ofpowder ofproduce slaked lime

weak

white slaked limetraditional slaked limeuse slaked lime

Examples

Examples of “slaked lime” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The masons will slake the quicklime in a pit before making the mortar.
It's crucial to slake the lime thoroughly to ensure a safe, workable paste.

American English

The contractor slaked the lime on-site for the historic plaster repair.
Always slake the lime completely; the reaction generates intense heat.

adverb

British English

N/A (No standard adverbial form for this compound noun).

American English

N/A (No standard adverbial form for this compound noun).

adjective

British English

The slaked-lime mortar has excellent plasticity for traditional brickwork.
A slaked-lime wash was applied to the cellar walls as a disinfectant.

American English

The slaked-lime paste was left to mature for several weeks.
They used a slaked-lime solution to adjust the soil's pH.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in procurement, manufacturing, and construction material specifications.

Academic

Appears in chemistry, civil engineering, history, and agricultural science texts.

Everyday

Extremely rare. Might be encountered in historical novels, DIY restoration projects, or gardening guides.

Technical

Precise term in chemistry, construction, water treatment, and soil stabilisation.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “slaked lime”

Strong

builder's limemason's lime

Neutral

hydrated limecalcium hydroxide

Weak

lime puttywhitewash basepickling lime (in food context)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “slaked lime”

quicklime (calcium oxide)unslaked lime

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “slaked lime”

Confusing 'slaked lime' with 'limestone' (calcium carbonate) or 'quicklime'.
Using 'slaked' as a verb in present tense with the noun incorrectly (e.g., 'They slaked lime' is correct for the process, but the product is 'slaked lime').
Misspelling as 'slacked lime' (though etymologically related).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, it is a caustic base (alkali) and can cause skin and eye irritation. Proper protective equipment (gloves, goggles) should be used.
: Yes, it is used as a soil amendment to raise pH (reduce acidity). However, it must be applied in correct quantities based on a soil test.
: They are synonyms. 'Hydrated lime' is the more modern, technical term, while 'slaked lime' is the traditional term describing the process.
: From the verb 'to slake,' meaning to quench or satisfy. Adding water 'slakes' the thirst of the highly reactive quicklime, rendering it less reactive and hydrating it.
: Calcium hydroxide, a chemical compound produced by adding water to quicklime (calcium oxide), used in construction, agriculture, and industrial processes.
: Slaked lime is usually formal, technical, historical. in register.
: Slaked lime: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsleɪkt ˈlaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsleɪkt ˈlaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None directly associated. Figuratively, 'to be slaked' means to be satisfied (thirst, desire), but this is not typically linked to 'slaked lime'.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: SLACKED lime. You add water to 'slack' the thirst of the dry, reactive quicklime, turning it into a slack (powdery) material.

Conceptual Metaphor

N/A (Highly technical term).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After the quicklime was mixed with water, the resulting was used to make the plaster.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary chemical difference between quicklime and slaked lime?