talc

noun

ˈtalk 

1

: a very soft mineral that is a basic silicate of magnesium, has a soapy feel, and is used especially in making talcum powder

2

: talcum powder

talcose

ˈtal-ˌkōs 

adjective

Examples of talc in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Johnson & Johnson shares In equities trading, Johnson & Johnson slid 3.5% after a U.S. bankruptcy court judge denied the company's settlement plan related to baby powder containing talc. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2025

On the losing end of Wall Street was Johnson & Johnson, which dropped 7.6% after a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge denied the company’s settlement plan related to baby powder containing talc. —Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025

Limit bar soap: Liquid soaps, like hand wash, body wash, or even Castile soap, generally don’t contain talc, one of the leading contributors to soap scum. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024

Johnson & Johnson — Shares slipped 8% after a U.S. bankruptcy judge rejected the company’s $10 billion settlement proposal tied to lawsuits alleging its baby powder and other talc products caused ovarian cancer. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French talk, from Medieval Latin talc, talcum, from Arabic ṭalq

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

talc

noun

ˈtalk 

: a very soft mineral that consists of a silicate of magnesium, has a soapy feel, and is used especially in making talcum powder

Medical Definition

talc

noun

ˈtalk 

: a very soft mineral Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂ that is a basic silicate of magnesium, has a soapy feel, and is used especially in making talcum powder