talc

[ talk ]

noun

1. Also tal·cum [] a green-to-gray, soft mineral, hydrous magnesium silicate, Mg 3 (Si 4 O 10 )(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 or talced [talkt], talck·ing or talc·ing [tal, -king].

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

/ tălk /

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 .

Derived Forms

• ˈtalcose, 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

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

The company has also reached an agreement in principle to resolve all talc-related claims against it in the bankruptcy cases filed by its talc suppliers.

From Seattle Times

A subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson is now proposing to pay approximately $6.48 billion over 25 years as part of a settlement in the U.S. to cover allegations that its baby powder containing talc caused ovarian cancer.

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