Definition

Noun: - Talcum powder: A soft, white, fragrant powder made primarily from talc, used on the skin, especially for babies, to absorb moisture, prevent chafing, and soothe irritation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Mẹ thường xoa phấn rôm cho em bé sau khi tắm. (Mother often applies talcum powder to the baby after bathing.)
  • Phấn rôm giúp giữ cho da của trẻ khô ráo và không bị hăm. (Talcum powder helps keep a child's skin dry and prevents diaper rash.)
  • Hãy cẩn thận không để bé hít phải phấn rôm. (Be careful not to let the baby inhale the talcum powder.)

Advanced Usage

• "Xoa phấn rôm": To apply/dust with talcum powder.
  • Cô y tá nhẹ nhàng xoa phấn rôm lên lưng đứa trẻ. (The nurse gently dusted talcum powder on the child's back.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phấn (n): Powder. A more general term for powder, which can refer to face powder, chalk, or dust.
  • phấn phủ (setting/face powder)
• Bột talc (n): Talc powder. The direct translation of the main ingredient.
• Bột trẻ em (n): Baby powder. A common synonym, though it may not always be pure talcum powder today.

Synonyms

• Baby powder: The most common English equivalent, though modern versions may use cornstarch instead of talc.
• Talc powder: A more technical term specifying the primary mineral ingredient.

Notes on Meaning

• Traditionally, phấn rôm specifically refers to powder used to prevent or soothe rôm sảy (prickly heat/miliaria), a common skin rash in hot weather. Its primary function is to absorb sweat and reduce friction.
• In modern contexts, due to health concerns about talc inhalation and potential links to certain cancers, many baby powders are now made with cornstarch. However, the term phấn rôm is still widely used.

1. Talcum powder