—n.
1 a powdery substance made by calcining lime and clay, mixed with water to form mortar or used in concrete (see also Portland cement).
2 any similar substance that hardens and fastens on setting.
3 a uniting factor or principle.
4 a substance for filling cavities in teeth.
5 (also cementum) Anat. a thin layer of bony material that fixes teeth to the jaw.
—v.tr.
1 a unite with or as with cement. b establish or strengthen (a friendship etc.).
2 apply cement to.
3 line or cover with cement.
Phrases and idioms:
cement-mixer a machine (usu. with a revolving drum) for mixing cement with water.
Derivatives:
cementer n.
Etymology: ME f. OF ciment f. L caementum quarry stone f. caedere hew
Useful english dictionary. 2012.