| 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. |
| plaster of Paris n. Any of a group of gypsum cements, essentially hemihydrated calcium sulfate, CaSO4· 1/2 H2O, a white powder that forms a paste when it is mixed with water and then hardens into a solid, used in making casts, molds, and sculpture. [Middle English, after Paris2, France.] |
plaster of Paris plaster of Par·is (pār'ĭs)
n.
Any of a group of gypsum cements, essentially hemihydrated calcium sulfate, a white powder that forms a paste when mixed with water and hardens into a solid, used in making casts and molds.
plaster of Paris  (plās'tər) Pronunciation Key
A form of calcium phosphate derived from gypsum. It is mixed with water to make casts and molds. |