Origin of chalk

before 900; Middle English chalke, Old English cealc < Latin calc- (stem of calx) lime

OTHER WORDS FROM chalk

chalk·like, adjective un·chalked, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for chalk

British Dictionary definitions for chalk

chalk
/ (tʃɔːk) /

noun

verb

See also chalk out, chalk up

Derived forms of chalk

chalklike, adjective chalky, adjective chalkiness, noun

Word Origin for chalk

Old English cealc, from Latin calx limestone, from Greek khalix pebble

Scientific definitions for chalk

chalk
[ chôk ]

A soft, white, gray, or yellow limestone consisting mainly of calcium carbonate and formed primarily from the accumulation of fossil microorganisms such as foraminifera and calcareous algae. Chalk is used in making lime, cement, and fertilizers, and as a whitening pigment in ceramics, paints, and cosmetics. The chalk used in classrooms is usually artificial.