calcium stearate

5.9

A white powder that does not dissolve in water and helps things move and flow better

noun
/ˈkæl.si.əm ˈstɪə.reɪt/

Specialized

: estearato de calcio

Calcium stearate can build up as a stubborn white residue in bathroom sinks in hard water areas.

Examples

Food manufacturers sometimes add calcium stearate as a flow agent in powdered mixes.
During the soap-making process, calcium stearate sometimes forms as an unwanted byproduct.
The laboratory tested the calcium stearate for purity.
Many cosmetics contain calcium stearate as a thickening agent.
Calcium stearate acts as a lubricant in the manufacturing of various plastics.
When mixed with water, calcium stearate helps in the prevention of soap scum formation.
In hard water, calcium stearate can lead to the accumulation of mineral deposits on surfaces.

Synonyms

calcium octadecanoate

vscalcium stearate

Specialized

9.2

A hard white deposit that forms when soap meets hard water

is formed from two long-chain fatty acids and used as stabilizer and lubricant

Surface Forms

calcium stearate singular

calcium stearates plural

Morphology

calcium + stearate

This is a compositional chemical name: 'calcium' + 'stearate' denotes the stearate (salt/anion) associated with calcium, so the meaning is literally a calcium salt of stearic/palmitic acids. Although technical, the formation follows regular compound-naming patterns (element + salt name) and a learner who knows both constituents can infer it is a calcium-containing powder used in industrial/soap contexts.

Etymology

Calcium stearate is a white powder that forms when calcium in hard water sticks to the fatty parts of soap called stearate, making a dry white scum. Because it does not dissolve, product makers use it as a 'flow agent', 'lubricant', and 'stabilizer', and that's why you may also see it as stubborn white residue in sinks.