bentonite

noun

ben·​ton·​ite ˈben-tə-ˌnīt 

: an absorptive and colloidal clay used especially as a sealing agent or suspending agent (as of drugs)

bentonitic

ˌben-tə-ˈni-tik 

adjective

Examples of bentonite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Like other precarious hillsides in the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the Flying Triangle slide became an issue when the thin layers of bentonite clay sitting under tons of earth and rock got wet, becoming slippery, geologists at the time reported. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2024

Although bentonite is not considered a carcinogen, raw bentonite may contain some traces of silica, a harmful carcinogenic crystalline compound. —Laura Schober, Health, 11 Aug. 2024

Although bentonite clay is usually applied to the top of your skin, the natural mineral bentonite can be ingested to reduce your risk of illness. —Laura Schober, Health, 11 Aug. 2024

Consult your healthcare provider before ingesting bentonite clay.4 As a topical treatment, bentonite clay can be rubbed onto the face, neck, body, and hair to reduce excess oil from your skin. —Laura Schober, Health, 11 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Fort Benton, Montana

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

bentonite

noun

ben·​ton·​ite ˈbent-ᵊn-ˌīt 

: an absorbent clay

Medical Definition

bentonite

noun

ben·​ton·​ite ˈbent-ᵊn-ˌīt 

: an absorptive and colloidal clay used in pharmacy especially to stabilize suspensions

bentonitic

ˌbent-ᵊn-ˈit-ik 

adjective