説明中心

cement

[sɪˈmɛnt]

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

  • to be firmly established and unlikely to change

    Example

    The plan is not set in cement yet, we can still make some adjustments.

  • to cover something up or hide something unpleasant

    Example

    They tried to cement over the scandal, but it eventually came to light.

  • 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'

📌

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.

How do native speakers use this expression?