talcum powder

noun

tal·​cum powder ˈtal-kəm- How to pronounce talcum powder (audio)
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 examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 See all Example Sentences for talcum powder 

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin talcum talc

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of talcum powder was circa 1890

Dictionary Entries Near talcum powder

Cite this Entry

“Talcum powder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talcum%20powder. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

talcum powder

noun
tal·​cum powder ˈtal-kəm- How to pronounce talcum powder (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on talcum powder

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