/keuh lee"chee/ , n. Geol.
1. a surface deposit consisting of sand or clay impregnated with crystalline salts such as sodium nitrate or sodium chloride.
2. a zone of calcium carbonate or other carbonates in soils of semiarid regions.
Cf. duricrust, hardpan .
[ 1855-60; cal lime ( calc-; see CHALK) + -iche n. suffix ]