plaster of paris

Plaster of Paris — Plaster Plas ter, n. [AS., a plaster (in sense 1), fr. L. emplastrum, Gr. ?, ?, fr. ? to daub on, stuff in; ? in + ? to mold: cf. OF. plastre a plaster (in sense 2), F. pl[^a]tre. Cf. {Plastic}, {Emplaster}, {Piaster}.] [Formerly written also… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

plaster of Paris — mid 15c.; originally it was made from the extensive gypsum deposits of Montmartre in Paris …   Etymology dictionary

plaster of Paris — n. [from use of gypsum from Montmartre in PARIS2 in its manufacture] a heavy white powder, calcined gypsum, which, when mixed with water, forms a thick paste that sets quickly: used for casts, moldings, statuary, etc …   English World dictionary

plaster of Paris — calcined gypsum in white, powdery form, used as a base for gypsum plasters, as an additive of lime plasters, and as a material for making fine and ornamental casts: characterized by its ability to set rapidly when mixed with water. Also, plaster… …   Universalium

plaster of Paris — [[t]plɑ͟ːstər əv pæ̱rɪs, plæ̱s [/t]] N UNCOUNT Plaster of Paris is a type of plaster made from white powder and water which dries quickly. It is used to make plaster casts …   English dictionary

plaster of Paris — Most of the houses in France are made of plaster of Paris …   English expressions

plaster of Paris — plaster of Par|is [ˌpla:stər əv ˈpærıs US ˌplæs ] n [U] a mixture of a white powder and water that dries fairly quickly and is used for making plaster casts and to decorate buildings …   Dictionary of contemporary English

plaster of paris — plaster of par·is par əs n a white powdery slightly hydrated calcium sulfate CaSO4·1/2H2O or 2CaSO4·H2O that is made by calcining gypsum, forms a quick setting paste with water, and is used in medicine chiefly in casts and for surgical bandages * …   Medical dictionary

plaster of Paris — noun any of several gypsum cements; a white powder (a form of calcium sulphate) that forms a paste when mixed with water and hardens into a solid; used in making molds and sculptures and casts for broken limbs (Freq. 1) • Syn: ↑plaster •… …   Useful english dictionary

plaster of Paris — a preparation of gypsum (calcium sulphate) that sets hard when water is added. It is used in various modified forms in dentistry to make plaster model. It is also used in orthopaedics for preparing plaster cast …   Medical dictionary

plaster of Paris — a preparation of gypsum (calcium sulphate) that sets hard when water is added. It is used in various modified forms in dentistry to make plaster models. It is also used in orthopaedics for preparing plaster casts …   The new mediacal dictionary