a powdery substance made by calcining lime and clay, used to bind sand, gravel, and bricks in construction, a substance that hardens to act as an adhesive; glue, something that binds or unites

set in cement, cement over something, cement a deal

Formal and Informal Expressions of cement

In different contexts, you can replace 'cement' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'adhesive, bond' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'glue, stickum' is a commonplace synonym.

cement: Explore its Definition & Usage

cement Definition

1a powdery substance made by calcining lime and clay, used to bind sand, gravel, and bricks in construction
2a substance that hardens to act as an adhesive; glue
3something that binds or unites

Using cement: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cement" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The workers mixed the cement with water and sand to make concrete.
Example
The tiles were fixed to the wall with cement.
Example
The two countries signed a treaty to cement their alliance.
Example
The shared experience of surviving a natural disaster cemented their friendship.

cement Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cement

Antonyms for cement

Phrases with cement

set in cement
to be firmly established and unlikely to change
Example
The plan is not set in cement yet, we can still make some adjustments.
cement over something
to cover something up or hide something unpleasant
Example
They tried to cement over the scandal, but it eventually came to light.
cement a deal
to finalize or secure a deal or agreement
Example
After months of negotiations, they finally cemented a deal to merge their companies.

Origins of cement

from Old French 'ciment', from Latin 'caementum', meaning 'rough stone or chippings used for making mortar'

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Summary: cement in Brief

The term 'cement' [sɪˈmɛnt] refers to a powdery substance used to bind sand, gravel, and bricks in construction, or as an adhesive. It can also denote something that binds or unites, as in 'The shared experience of surviving a natural disaster cemented their friendship.' 'Cement' extends into phrases like 'set in cement,' meaning firmly established, and 'cement a deal,' meaning to finalize an agreement.