Cement
/sɪˈmɛnt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA powdery substance that becomes hard when mixed with water, used in building and construction.
/ˈsɪmɛnt/
A binding material
They poured the cement foundation for the new house.
💡 Simply: Cement is like super-strong glue for buildings! Mix it with water, and it turns into hard rock that holds bricks and stones together. Think of it as the backbone of many structures.
👶 For kids: It's like special glue that makes houses and buildings strong!
More Examples
The broken vase was mended with cement.
How It's Used
"The workers used cement to build the foundation."
"The dentist used cement to attach the crown to the tooth."
To strengthen or solidify; to unite firmly.
/sɪˈmɛnt/
To solidify or unite
The deal cemented the company's position in the market.
💡 Simply: To cement something means to make it really strong and unbreakable, like making a friendship super solid. Think of it like making a bond so strong that nothing can break it!
👶 For kids: To make something super strong and stick together.
More Examples
Their shared experiences cemented their bond.
How It's Used
"The agreement cemented their friendship."
Idioms & expressions
set in cement
Something that is fixed and unchangeable.
"His decision is set in cement; he won't change his mind."
From Latin *caementum*, meaning 'rough stone,' 'rubble,' ultimately from *caedere*, 'to cut.' The word's evolution reflects its original use as a building material made from broken stones.
In ancient Rome, *caementum* referred to rubble used in construction. The modern meaning developed with the invention of Portland cement.
Memory tip
Think 'CEMENT' holds things together, just like the material itself.