talc

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an extremely soft hydrous magnesium silicate mineral with a greasy or soapy feel, used in ceramics, paint, paper, plastics, and powders

   The mineral specimen was identified as talc because it could be scratched with a fingernail.

2. 2
   noun

   talcum powder or another fine powder containing talc

   The athlete dusted the inside of the gloves with talc.

3. 3
   noun

   historical: a broader name for thin, transparent, foliated minerals such as mica, or a small plate made from one

   The old microscope mounted its specimen on a transparent plate of talc.

4. 4
   verb

   to apply talc or talcum powder to something

   The technician talced the rubber mold before removing the casting.

Through French talc from Arabic talq, probably from Persian talk. Medieval and early modern writers used the name for several shining or transparent layered minerals; modern mineralogy narrowed it to hydrous magnesium silicate.

Topics

External links

• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary
• Google Images