sɪˈment n. & v. --n. 1 a powdery
substance made by calcining lime
and clay,
mixed with water to
form mortar or used in
concrete (see
also Portland cement). 2
any similar substance
that hardens and fastens on
setting. 3 a uniting
factor or
principle. 4 a substance
for filling cavities in
teeth. 5 (also cementum) Anat. a
thin layer of
bony material that fixes teeth to
the jaw. --v.tr. 1 a
unite with or as with cement. b
establish or
strengthen (a
friendship etc.). 2
apply cement
to. 3 line or
cover with cement. øcement-mixer a
machine (usu. with a revolving drum) for mixing cement with water. øøcementer n. [ME f. OF ciment f. L caementum quarry
stone f. caedere hew]