Also spelled talc-like
Meanings
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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.
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2
noun
talcum powder or another fine powder containing talc
The athlete dusted the inside of the gloves with talc.
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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.
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4
verb
to apply talc or talcum powder to something
The technician talced the rubber mold before removing the casting.
Thesaurus
Etymology
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.