talc

[talk]

noun

1. Also talcum a green-to-gray, soft mineral, hydrous magnesium silicate, Mg 3 (Si 4 O10 )(OH) 2 , unctuous to the touch, and occurring usually in foliated or compact masses, used in making lubricants, talcum powder, electrical insulation, etc.

2. talcum powder.

verb (used with object)

talcked, talced, talcking, talcing. 

1. to treat or rub with talc.

talc

/ tælk /

noun

1. See talcum powder

2. 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

1. (tr) to apply talc to

talc

1. 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: Mg ₃ Si ₄ O ₁₀ (OH) ₂ .

Other Word Forms

• talcose adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of talc¹

1595–1605; < Medieval Latin talcum < Arabic ṭalq mica < Persian talk

Word History and Origins

Origin of talc¹

C16: from Medieval Latin talcum, from Arabic talq mica, from Persian talk

Example Sentences

Johnson & Johnson was forced to stop using talc in its baby powder in 2023, following a multidistrict case that unearthed records showing it had known the ingredient caused reproductive cancers for half a century.

From Los Angeles Times

Hundreds of women in the UK are planning to take on one of the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies over alleged links between talc and cancer.

From BBC

I read that you should not use cornstarch as a talc replacement because it feeds the fungus.

From Seattle Times

J&J said that the plan would resolve 99.75% of all pending talc lawsuits against it and its affiliates in the U.S.

From Seattle Times

He provided critical testimony in a class-action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, claiming that it had failed to reveal the health risks involved presented by Johnson’s baby powder and other products containing talc.

From New York Times

Related Words

• crumb 
• dust