talcum powder

noun

tal·​cum powder ˈtal-kəm- 

1

: powdered talc

2

: a toilet powder composed of perfumed talc or talc and a mild antiseptic

Examples of talcum powder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These generally have a high talc content (talcum powder enhances the mechanical properties of plastics and acts as a reinforcing agent when added to polymers). —Jason Barlow, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024

How to Remove Grease or Oil Stains from Leather To remove oily or greasy stains on leather or suede material, use an absorbent powder like cornstarch or talcum powder to pull the oily splotch out of the leather. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024

Sprinkle the stain with a thick layer (one-fourth inch) of cornstarch or talcum powder. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2024

Owyhee gumbo is an extremely sticky goo that results when rain hits the talcum powder dirt. —Pete Zimowsky, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin talcum talc

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

talcum powder

noun

tal·​cum powder ˈtal-kəm- 

: a powder composed of perfumed talc or talc and a mild antiseptic for sprinkling or rubbing over the skin

Medical Definition

talcum powder

noun

1

: powdered talc

2

: a toilet powder composed of perfumed talc or talc and some mild antiseptic