Gypsum
/ˈdʒɪp.səm/noun
A soft white or gray mineral used to make plaster of Paris and in various industrial applications.
Did you know?Gypsum was used in ancient Egyptian rituals as a key ingredient in the mummification process, believed to protect the dead in the afterlife.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
γύψος (gypsos)
“Plaster or gypsum, used for construction and artistry.”
Late Latin
Latin
gypsum
“Referring to the mineral in building and sculpting.”
Middle English
Middle English
gipsum
“The mineral used in plaster, derived from Latin.”
Modern English
English
gypsum
“The mineral known for its use in construction and art, solidified in contemporary use.”
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