n. & v.
n. 1 a powdery substance made by calcining lime and clay, mixed with water to form mortar or used in concrete (see also Portland cement). 2 any similar substance that hardens and fastens on setting. 3 a uniting factor or principle. 4 a substance for filling cavities in teeth. 5 (also cementum) Anat. a thin layer of bony material that fixes teeth to the jaw.
v.tr. 1 a unite with or as with cement. b establish or strengthen (a friendship etc.). 2 apply cement to. 3 line or cover with cement. cement-mixer a machine (usu. with a revolving drum) for mixing cement with water. cementer n.
[ ME f. OF ciment f. L caementum quarry stone f. caedere hew ]