Chalk

White or off-white inorganic material composed of calcium carbonate. Naturally occurring, although also produced industrially throughout the twentieth century.

chalk

Chemistry; Analytical chemistry

A soft, white rock made of sea shell fossils. It is used to make cement and fertilizers and to add white color to paints and cosmetics.

chalk

Sports; Climbing

A compound used to improve grip by absorbing sweat. It is actually gymnastics chalk, usually magnesium carbonate. Its use is controversial in some areas.

chalking

Printing & publishing; Paper

Improper drying of ink. Ink vehicle has been absorbed too rapidly into the paper leaving a dry, weak pigment layer which dusts easily.

bouldering

Sports; Rock climbing

A form of rock climbing where the climber never goes high enough that a fall would result in any serious injury.

harness

Sports; Rock climbing

A safety system consisting of straps and loops that is worn around the waist and legs which is used to stop a climber when falling.

belay device

Sports; Rock climbing

A device that is controlled by a person on the ground in order to arrest the climber's falls and through which passes the rope that is tied to the climber.

crash pad

Sports; Rock climbing

A thick mattress used to soften the fall of a climber that is typically only used when bouldering.

quickdraw

Sports; Rock climbing

A safety device carried on a climber's harness that is used to attach to the rock surface in order to then insert the rope as the climber ascends. Typically, the climber ...