Relating to or resembling gypsum; having characteristics similar to the mineral gypsum.
From 'gypsum' (the mineral) + '-ean' or '-ian' (pertaining to), following adjective formation patterns. A technical mineralogical term used since the 19th century in geological descriptions.
Gypsum is one of the softest minerals (so soft you can scratch it with a fingernail), and it's the main ingredient in drywall—the very substance that makes modern buildings possible comes from ancient evaporated seabeds!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.