talc
Also tal·cum [tal-kuhm]. /ˈtæl kəm/. a green-to-gray, soft mineral, hydrous magnesium silicate, Mg3(Si4O10)(OH)2, unctuous to the touch, and occurring usually in foliated or compact masses, used in making lubricants, talcum powder, electrical insulation, etc.
to treat or rub with talc.
Origin of talc
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use talc in a sentence
Allow this to almost dry, and then sprinkle on talcum powder which smooths over the dry varnish of ichthyol.
The Mother and Her Child | William S. SadlerLikewise Mennen, of talcum powder fame, whose face and name are known all over the world.
How to Succeed as an Inventor | Goodwin B. SmithThe drinks were warm; the ballet was suffering from lack of both tune and talcum—but his family would not return until September.
Sixes and Sevens | O. HenryThe man achieved another bar of "The Holy City," and fondly dusted his face with talcum powder, critically observing the effect.
Bunker Bean | Harry Leon WilsonEvery morning shake a little talcum powder or "Foot Ease" in each shoe.
The Plattsburg Manual | O.O. Ellis and E.B. Garey
British Dictionary definitions for talc
/ (tælk) /
See talcum powder
a white, grey, brown, or pale green mineral, found in metamorphic rocks. It is used in the manufacture of talcum powder and electrical insulators. Composition: hydrated magnesium silicate. Formula: Mg 3 Si 4 O 10 (OH) 2 . Crystal structure: monoclinic
(tr) to apply talc to
Origin of talc
1Derived forms of talc
- talcose or talcous, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for talc
[ tălk ]
A very soft white, greenish, or gray monoclinic mineral usually occurring as massive micalike flakes in igneous or metamorphic rocks. It has a soapy texture and is used in face powder and talcum powder, for coating paper, and as a filler in paints and plastics. Chemical formula: Mg3Si4O10(OH)2.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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