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

The beginnings of widespread concern about talc began in the 1970s after cancer researchers tested 20 powder products made with talc and found 10 of them had asbestos. —Annie Blay, Allure, 19 Nov. 2024

Baby powder has traditionally been made using a mineral called talc, although some modern formulas are based on corn or potato starch. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024

Formulated for all skin types, the cream is vegan, formulated without gluten, GMOs, parabens, fragrance, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, DEA, heavy metals, talc, and petrolatum/paraffin/mineral oil. —Felicity Carter, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

What’s more, the powders are enriched with nourishing vitamin E, jojoba seed oil, and honeysuckle flower—and free of talc, which can irritate sensitive skin. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2024

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