talc
[ talk ]
/ tælk /
noun
Also tal·cum
[tal-kuh m] /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.
verb (used with object), talcked or talced [talkt] /tælkt/, talck·ing or talc·ing [tal-king] /ˈtæl kɪŋ/.
to treat or rub with talc.
Origin of talc
1595–1605; < Medieval Latin
talcum < Arabic
ṭalq mica < Persian
talk
Words nearby talc
talavera,
talavera de la reina,
talayot,
talbot,
talbotype,
talc,
talca,
talcahuano,
talcose,
talcosis,
talcum
Example sentences from the Web for talcum
British Dictionary definitions for talcum
talc
/ (tælk) /
noun Also: talcum
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
verb talcs, talcking, talcked, talcs, talcing or talced
(tr)
to apply talc to
Derived forms of talc
talcose or talcous, adjectiveWord Origin for talc
C16: from Medieval Latin
talcum, from Arabic
talq mica, from Persian
talk
Medical definitions for talcum (1 of 2)
talcum
[ tăl′kəm ]
n.
talc
Medical definitions for talcum (2 of 2)
talc
[ tălk ]
n.
A fine-grained white, greenish, or gray mineral, having a soft soapy feel and used in talcum and face powder.
talcum
Scientific definitions for talcum
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.