talc powder

A gymnast applies talc powder to her hands before using the uneven bars.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fine, white, scented powder: "talc powder" is a cosmetic and toiletry product made from finely ground talc (a mineral composed of magnesium silicate), often used for absorbing moisture, reducing friction, and providing a pleasant scent. It is commonly applied to the skin after bathing or to prevent chafing.

Usage Examples

• (Using the powder for moisture absorption and skin protection.)
• (Using the powder to reduce friction and absorb sweat.)

Advanced Usage

• "talc powder" in industrial contexts: can refer to the raw mineral talc ground into a fine powder, used as a lubricant, filler in paper and plastics, or in ceramics.

  • The factory uses talc powder as a lubricant in the manufacturing process. (Industrial application of the mineral powder.)

• "talc powder" as a cosmetic ingredient: often scented and packaged in shaker containers for personal hygiene.

  • Many body powders contain talc powder as their primary base. (Cosmetic formulation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Talc (n): the mineral itself, magnesium silicate, from which talc powder is made.

  • Talc is the softest mineral on the Mohs scale. (The base mineral.)

• Talcum (n): a synonym for talc powder, especially in older usage or product names (e.g., "talcum powder").

  • He bought a bottle of talcum powder for his gym bag. (Alternate term.)

Synonyms

• Body powder: a general term for any powder applied to the body for freshness.
• Baby powder: a specific type of talc powder marketed for infants.
• Dusting powder: a cosmetic powder used for absorbing moisture and scenting the skin.

Related Idioms

• "To powder one's nose": a euphemism for using the restroom, often associated with applying talc powder or makeup.
  • She excused herself to powder her nose. (To go to the bathroom, historically linked to using talc powder.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Powder up: to apply talc powder or any powder to oneself.
  • The gymnast powdered up her hands before the routine. (Applied talc powder to reduce sweat and improve grip.)

Related Compounds

• Talc powder as a compound noun: the full term used in product labels and everyday speech.
  • The label on the bottle read "Pure Talc Powder." (Compound noun in commercial contexts.)

Usage Notes

• Safety concerns: Some studies have linked talc powder to respiratory issues if inhaled, or to ovarian cancer when used in the genital area. Modern products may use cornstarch as an alternative.
  • She switched to cornstarch-based powder after reading about talc powder risks. (Usage note on health considerations.)