The cement that we use today, has evolved from the early use of a mortar made from the fragments cut from stones used in many constructions built in the past. For example, cement played a large part in the construction of such structures as the mighty pyramids of Eygypt. The pyramids are still standing today.
The Romans used the term "opus caementitium" to describe masonry which resembled concrete, it was made from crushed rock and contained burnt lime to act as a binder. The Romans also included, volcanic ash and pulverised brick additives, which were then added to the burnt lime to obtain, a hydraulic binder, and was later referred to as cementum, cimentum, cäment and cement. Cements used in construction are characterised as hydraulic or non-hydraulic.
The Word Cement
Evolution of the term 'caementitium' after the Roman times, eventually brought forth today's "cement." It is somewhat ironic that the word which originated with the concept of cutting is used today most frequently with the concept of bringing together or binding. Cement is a bonding agent, a binding substance which sets and hardens independently, and can bind other materials together. Cement is also the major ingredient in concrete.