bentonite

noun
ben·​ton·​ite | \ ˈben-tə-ˌnīt How to pronounce bentonite (audio) \

Definition of bentonite

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

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Other Words from bentonite

bentonitic \ ˌben-​tə-​ˈni-​tik How to pronounce bentonitic (audio) \ adjective

Examples of bentonite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Waste will be sealed in the copper coffins, placed into the storage shafts, and surrounded by a thick layer of bentonite, a natural clay almost impermeable to water. Tim Heffernan, Popular Mechanics, "Finland's Crazy Plan to Make Nuclear Waste Disappear," 10 May 2012 This mask is made with a blend of charcoal, volcanic ash, and kaolin and bentonite clays to remove impurities, exfoliate, absorb excess oils, remove toxins, and reduce inflammation. Tanisha Pina, Allure, "This K-Beauty Brand Just Launched at Walmart and Products Are Already Selling Out," 1 Aug. 2018 Our pomades contain pure ingredients such as bentonite, which is mineral enriching for the hair, and hydrogenated castor oil, which works as a non-sticky wax to hold shape. Scott Christian, Esquire, "One of New York's Coolest Clothing Brands Wants You to Have Great Looking Hair," 3 Mar. 2017 Officials suspect the bentonite seeped into groundwater supplies, causing the water wells to become cloudy. Andrew Maykuth, Philly.com, "Sunoco resumes drilling Mariner East pipeline in Chester County," 8 July 2017 Local officials suspect that nontoxic bentonite clay used as a lubricant during the horizontal-drilling process may have migrated into private wells. Andrew Maykuth, Philly.com, "Water-contamination complaints force Sunoco to suspend Chesco pipeline construction," 7 July 2017 In a memo to the mayor, aldermen and city administrator, Deal said staff members have been using bentonite, an absorbent clay, to stop the leaks temporarily. Kaitlyn Schwers, kansascity.com, "No muskrat love after city discovers leaking spillways, damage to dams," 28 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bentonite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of bentonite

1898, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for bentonite

Fort Benton, Montana

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More Definitions for bentonite

bentonite

noun
ben·​ton·​ite | \ ˈbent-ᵊn-ˌīt How to pronounce bentonite (audio) \

Medical Definition of bentonite

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

Other Words from bentonite

bentonitic \ ˌbent-​ᵊn-​ˈit-​ik How to pronounce bentonitic (audio) \ adjective