limescale
/ˈlaɪmskeɪl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈlaɪmskeɪl/ (ame, ipa)
limescale — noun
1. the hard white chalky crust that builds up inside pipes, kettles, water heaters,
the hard white chalky crust that builds up inside pipes, kettles, water heaters, and similar equipment when the local water supply is naturally rich in dissolved minerals
Mei-Lin used vinegar to remove the limescale from her electric kettle.
remove limescale from [object]
The plumber said the thick limescale in the hot water pipes needed a chemical treatment.
limescale in [pipes/equipment]
Javier bought a special powder designed to break down limescale in the coffee machine.
Hard water leaves white limescale stains on glass shower doors over time.
The family's new water softener stopped limescale from building up inside their boiler.
- scale
broader term that includes limescale plus other mineral deposits (e.g. from seawater, boilers); 'limescale' specifically refers to calcium carbonate from hard water
- mineral deposit
more formal and general; includes any accumulation of minerals, not just the white chalky type
- calcium deposit
specifies the chemical composition (calcium carbonate), but can also refer to deposits on teeth or in the body
用法筆記
Uncountable — you cannot say 'a limescale' or 'limescales'. To refer to a piece, use 'a layer of limescale', 'a deposit of limescale', or 'limescale buildup'.