Belite is a term that may not be familiar to everyone, but it is an important term in the construction industry. It is a term used to refer to a mineral compound that is found in cement. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of belite, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Belite is a mineral compound that is found in cement. It is also known as β-dicalcium silicate. It is a white or grey mineral that is commonly found in volcanic rocks and clay deposits. Belite is an important component of cement because it contributes to the strength and durability of the material.
Origin
The word belite comes from the Latin word “bel” which means white. It was first discovered in 1907 by a French scientist named Henri Le Chatelier. He identified it as a new mineral and named it belite because of its white color.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Belite is defined differently in different dictionaries. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, belite is “a mineral consisting essentially of dicalcium silicate and occurring in white or grayish-white crystals or masses.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines belite as “a silicate mineral of calcium and silicon, found in cement and other rocks.”
Associations
Belite is closely associated with cement. It is one of the major components of cement, along with other minerals such as tricalcium silicate and alite. Belite contributes to the strength and durability of cement, making it an important component in the construction industry.
Synonyms
The synonyms of belite include β-dicalcium silicate, white cement, and C2S.
Antonyms
There are no specific antonyms for belite, as it is a mineral compound that is not typically compared to other things.
The same root words
Belite is derived from the Latin word “bel,” which means white. Other words that are derived from this root include “blanc” in French, “bianco” in Italian, and “blanco” in Spanish, all of which mean white.
Example Sentences
- The cement used in the construction of the building contains a significant amount of belite.
- The geologist identified the mineral as belite based on its chemical composition.
- The white color of the belite mineral is due to its high calcium content.
- The strength and durability of the concrete are attributed to the presence of belite in the mixture.
- The construction workers added more belite to the cement mixture to increase its strength.