plaster of paris
noun phrase
plaster of par·is
-ˈper-əs 
-ˈpa-rəs
often capitalized second P
: a white powdery slightly hydrated calcium sulfate CaSO4·¹/₂H2O or 2CaSO4·H2O made by calcining gypsum and used chiefly for casts and molds in the form of a quick-setting paste with water
Examples of plaster of paris in a Sentence
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The bunnies were originally crafted from plaster of paris, chicken wire, and camel hair.
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Sidney Steele, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024
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Sidney Steele, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Plaster of paris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaster%20of%20paris. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
plaster of paris
plaster of par·is
-ˈpar-əs
often capitalized 2nd P
: a white powder made from gypsum that mixes with water to form a paste that hardens quickly and is used chiefly for casts and molds
Medical Definition
plaster of paris
noun
plaster of par·is
-ˈpar-əs
: a white powdery slightly hydrated calcium sulfate CaSO4·¹/₂H2O or 2CaSO4·H2O that is made by calcining gypsum, forms a quick-setting paste with water, and is used in medicine chiefly in casts and for surgical bandages
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