talc

noun
\ ˈtalk How to pronounce talc (audio) \

Definition of talc

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

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Other Words from talc

talcose \ ˈtal-​ˌkōs How to pronounce talcose (audio) \ adjective

Examples of talc in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The criminal probe, which hasn’t been reported previously, coincides with a regulatory investigation and civil claims by thousands of cancer patients that J&J’s Baby Powder talc was responsible for their illnesses. Washington Post, "VW, Ford join in broad robocar partnership," 13 July 2019 Nordstrom’s natural beauty and wellness department is stocked with beauty products and supplements free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oil, silicone, and talc. Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, "Where To Shop for Organic and Natural Beauty Products," 12 Aug. 2019 Last month, a California jury ordered J&J and Colgate-Palmolive Co. to pay about $10 million to a dying woman who said asbestos in their talc products caused her cancer. latimes.com, "J&J gets a new trial after jury awards $417 million in talc case," 10 July 2019 The company’s shares have been under pressure because of investors’ concerns about talc litigation. Jef Feeley, Los Angeles Times, "J&J targets the science behind thousands of baby powder cancer claims," 24 July 2019 Every product is made to order in small batches and skips out on suflates, parabens, nasty chemicals, silicone, mineral oils, and talc. Braelyn Wood, Health.com, "These All-Natural Toner Pads Are My One-Step Skincare Routine After Every Workout," 19 July 2019 The talc supplier faces claims from more than 14,600 people, a number that has grown dramatically in recent years in the wake of large verdicts against Imerys and baby... Katy Stech Ferek And Sara Randazzo, WSJ, "Johnson & Johnson Talc Supplier Files for Bankruptcy," 13 Feb. 2019 Baby powder is mostly talc, a mineral that is used to keep skin dry and as an astringent to prevent diaper rash. Jef Feeley, latimes.com, "J&J faces criminal investigation over baby powder’s potential cancer risks," 12 July 2019 Djali licked almond talc from Emma’s finger webbing. Dan Chiasson, The New York Review of Books, "True Mirages," 6 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'talc.' 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 talc

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for talc

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

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More Definitions for talc

talc

noun
\ ˈtalk How to pronounce talc (audio) \

Kids Definition of talc

: a soft mineral that has a soapy feel and is used especially in making talcum powder

talc

noun
\ ˈtalk How to pronounce talc (audio) \

Medical Definition of talc

: 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

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