anticalculus
|an-ti-cal-cu-lus|
/ˌæn.tɪˈkæl.kjʊ.ləs/
preventing tartar
Etymology
'anticalculus' is formed in modern English from the prefix 'anti-' (against) + the Latin noun 'calculus' (a small stone; used in medical/dental contexts for tartar).
'calculus' comes from Latin 'calculus' meaning 'small stone' (used for counting pebbles and later metaphorically for small stones or deposits). The prefix 'anti-' derives from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against'. The compound 'anticalculus' arose in scientific/dental English to denote agents opposed to calculus formation.
Initially 'calculus' meant 'small stone' in Latin; in dental contexts it came to mean 'tartar' or hardened deposit on teeth. 'Anticalculus' therefore developed to mean 'against (dental) tartar' and has retained that specialized sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an agent, substance, or product that prevents or reduces the formation of dental calculus (tartar); a tartar-control agent.
The mouthwash functions as an anticalculus by slowing the mineralization of plaque.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
preventing or inhibiting the formation of dental calculus (tartar) on the teeth; used to describe products or agents that reduce tartar buildup.
The dentist recommended an anticalculus toothpaste to reduce tartar buildup.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/25 03:29