bentonite

noun

ben·​ton·​ite ˈben-tə-ˌnīt How to pronounce bentonite (audio)
: an absorptive and colloidal clay used especially as a sealing agent or suspending agent (as of drugs)
bentonitic adjective

Examples of bentonite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for bentonite 

Word History

Etymology

Fort Benton, Montana

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bentonite was in 1898

Dictionary Entries Near bentonite

Cite this Entry

“Bentonite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bentonite. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bentonite

noun
ben·​ton·​ite ˈbent-ᵊn-ˌīt How to pronounce bentonite (audio)
: an absorbent clay

Medical Definition

bentonite

noun
ben·​ton·​ite ˈbent-ᵊn-ˌīt How to pronounce bentonite (audio)
: an absorptive and colloidal clay used in pharmacy especially to stabilize suspensions
bentonitic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on bentonite

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