cement

Everyday

1. A grey powder mixed with water, sand and stones to make concrete or mortar; it becomes hard when dry. tree →
2. A strong glue. tree →
3. To stick things together with cement. tree →
4. To make something stronger or more certain (cement a friendship). tree →

In the lessons

In science: cement hardens by a chemical change, not just drying. In building and everyday life: paths, walls, bricks. In stories: «the win cemented her place in the team». Phrase: cement mixer.

Examples

• The builders mixed cement for the new wall. tree →
• The cement mixer turned slowly. tree →
• Don't step on the wet cement! tree →
• They cemented the bricks together. tree →
• The trip cemented their friendship. tree →
• Cement is made by heating limestone and clay. tree →

Note

Not the same as concrete: cement is one ingredient of concrete. Stress: se-MENT. Uncountable: some cement, a bag of cement.