talc Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a fine grained mineral having a soft soapy feel and consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate; used in a variety of products including talcum powder
    talcum.
  2. verb apply talcum powder to (one's body)

WordNet

Talc noun
Etymology
F. talc; cf. Sp. & It. talco, LL. talcus; all fr. Ar. talq.
Definitions
  1. (Min.) A soft mineral of a soapy feel and a greenish, whitish, or grayish color, usually occurring in foliated masses. It is hydrous silicate of magnesia. Steatite, or soapstone, is a compact granular variety.

Webster 1913