Gypsum vs. Plaster

Gypsumnoun

A mineral consisting of hydrated calcium sulphate. When calcined, it forms plaster of Paris.

Gypsumnoun

A mineral consisting of the hydrous sulphate of lime (calcium). When calcined, it forms plaster of Paris. Selenite is a transparent, crystalline variety; alabaster, a fine, white, massive variety.

Gypsumnoun

a common white or colorless mineral (hydrated calcium sulphate) used to make cements and plasters (especially plaster of Paris)

Gypsum

Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the chemical formula CaSO4·2H2O. It is widely mined and is used as a fertilizer and as the main constituent in many forms of plaster, blackboard/sidewalk chalk, and drywall. A massive fine-grained white or lightly tinted variety of gypsum, called alabaster, has been used for sculpture by many cultures including Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Ancient Rome, the Byzantine Empire, and the Nottingham alabasters of Medieval England.

Plasternoun

(uncountable) A paste applied to the skin for healing or cosmetic purposes.

Plasternoun

A small adhesive bandage to cover a minor wound; a sticking plaster.

Plasternoun

(uncountable) A mixture of lime or gypsum, sand, and water, sometimes with the addition of fibres, that hardens to a smooth solid and is used for coating walls and ceilings; render, stucco.

Plasternoun

(countable) A cast made of plaster of Paris and gauze; plaster cast.

Plasternoun

(uncountable) plaster of Paris.

Plasterverb

(transitive) To cover or coat something with plaster; to render.

Plasterverb

(transitive) To apply a plaster to.

Plasterverb

(transitive) To smear with some viscous or liquid substance.

Plasterverb

(transitive) To hide or cover up, as if with plaster; to cover thickly.

Plasterverb

To smooth over.

Plasternoun

An external application of a consistency harder than ointment, prepared for use by spreading it on linen, leather, silk, or other material. It is adhesive at the ordinary temperature of the body, and is used, according to its composition, to produce a medicinal effect, to bind parts together, etc.; as, a porous plaster; sticking plaster.

Plasternoun

A composition of lime, water, and sand, with or without hair as a bond, for coating walls, ceilings, and partitions of houses. See Mortar.

Plasternoun

Calcined gypsum, or plaster of Paris, especially when ground, as used for making ornaments, figures, moldings, etc.; or calcined gypsum used as a fertilizer.

Plasterverb

To cover with a plaster, as a wound or sore.

Plasterverb

To overlay or cover with plaster, as the ceilings and walls of a house.

Plasterverb

Fig.: To smooth over; to cover or conceal the defects of; to hide, as with a covering of plaster.

Plasternoun

a mixture of lime or gypsum with sand and water; hardens into a smooth solid; used to cover walls and ceilings

Plasternoun

any of several gypsum cements; a white powder (a form of calcium sulphate) that forms a paste when mixed with water and hardens into a solid; used in making molds and sculptures and casts for broken limbs

Plasternoun

a medical dressing consisting of a soft heated mass of meal or clay that is spread on a cloth and applied to the skin to treat inflamed areas or improve circulation etc.

Plasternoun

a hardened surface of plaster (as on a wall or ceiling);

Plasternoun

adhesive tape used in dressing wounds

Plasterverb

cover conspicuously, as by pasting something on;

Plasterverb

affix conspicuously;

Plasterverb

apply a plaster cast to;

Plasterverb

apply a heavy coat to

Plasterverb

coat with plaster;

Plasterverb

dress by covering with a therapeutic substance

Plaster

Plaster is a building material used for the protective or decorative coating of walls and ceilings and for moulding and casting decorative elements. In English, usually means a material used for the interiors of buildings, while commonly refers to external applications.