chalky

Everyday

1. Containing chalk or made of chalk, as in «chalky soil» or «chalky cliffs». tree →
2. White and pale like chalk, as in «a chalky face». tree →
3. Dry and powdery, as in «chalky tablets». tree →

In the lessons

In geography and science lessons, chalky land (like the White Cliffs of Dover and the South Downs) is made of a soft white rock formed from tiny sea creatures. In stories, a «chalky» face means very pale, often from fear or illness. On the playground, chalk drawings leave chalky hands.

Examples

• The White Cliffs of Dover are chalky. tree →
• After drawing on the pavement, my hands were chalky. tree →
• His face went chalky white when he saw the spider. tree →
• Some plants grow well in chalky soil. tree →
• The medicine tasted dry and chalky. tree →
• Chalky water leaves white marks on the kettle. tree →

Note

Adjective: chalk + -y. Comparatives: chalkier, chalkiest. Science note: chalk is a kind of limestone (calcium carbonate). Chalky soil drains water quickly.