noun
talc
Talc (noun) means a word that once covered a wide group of shiny, semi-clear minerals such as mica and selenite, plus objects made from them; it reached English from Arabic in medieval times.
noun
1
A word that once covered a wide group of shiny, semi-clear minerals such as mica and selenite, plus objects made from them; it reached English from Arabic in medieval times.
2
A microscope slide made from a thin piece of mica, common from the early years of microscopy until glass slides took over in the early 1800s.
3
A soft, soapy-feeling mineral made of hydrated magnesium silicate, usually grey, white or green and found in layered lumps.
"For example, Montana talcs approximate the theoretical composition, while California talcs often contain calcite (CaCO₃) and dolomite (CaCO₃ • MgCO₃)."
— Joseph A. Radosta with Nikhil C. Trivedi, Talc (1987)
"With this background and experience we feel justified in stating that not all talcs contain, or are associated with, asbestos."
— C. J. Parmentier with G. J. Gill, Practical Aspects of Talc and Asbestos (1978)
4
Another name for talcum powder.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like talc.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Etymology
Came into English from Middle French talc, which traces back through Arabic طَلْق (ṭalq) and Persian تلک (talk) to Middle Persian [Term?], meaning “medicament”.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of talc?
"talc" (noun) means a word that once covered a wide group of shiny, semi-clear minerals such as mica and selenite, plus objects made from them; it reached English from Arabic in medieval times.
What is another word for talc?
Other words for "talc" include talcum.
What are the different meanings of talc?
"talc" has 3 main meanings: 1. A word that once covered a wide group of shiny, semi-clear minerals such as mica and selenite, plus objects made from them; it reached English from Arabic in medieval times; 2. A microscope slide made from a thin piece of mica, common from the early years of microscopy until glass slides took over in the early 1800s; 3. A soft, soapy-feeling mineral made of hydrated magnesium silicate, usually grey, white or green and found in layered lumps.
