fuller's earth


noun

an absorbent clay, used especially for removing grease from fabrics, in fulling cloth, as a filter, and as a dusting powder.

Origin of fuller's earth

First recorded in 1515–25

British Dictionary definitions for fuller's earth

fuller's earth

noun

a natural absorbent clay used, after heating, for decolorizing oils and fats, fulling cloth, etc

Medical definitions for fuller's earth

fuller's earth
[ fulərz ]

n.

A highly absorbent claylike substance consisting of hydrated aluminum silicates, applied moistened with water as a poultice.