Definition

1. Noun:
   • A toilet powder made of purified talc and usually scented; absorbs excess moisture: This refers to a cosmetic or hygienic powder, commonly known as talcum powder or baby powder, used to keep skin dry and prevent rashes.
   • A fine-grained mineral having a soft soapy feel and consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate; used in a variety of products including talcum powder: This is the mineralogical definition for the soft mineral that is the primary ingredient in talcum powder.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Powder):

  • She applied talcum to her feet after showering.
  • The baby's skin was kept dry with a light dusting of talcum.

• Noun (Mineral):

  • The geologist identified the soft, white rock as talcum.
  • Talcum is mined and then processed for various industrial uses.

Advanced Usage

• "Talcum" as a verb (rare/technical): To apply talcum powder to something.
  • The athlete talcumed his hands before gripping the bar. (Note: The more common verb form is "to powder with talcum" or simply "to powder.")

Variants and Related Words

• Talc (n): The more common term for the mineral itself. "Talcum" is often used specifically for the powder product.
  • This paint contains talc as a filler.
• Talcum powder (n): The full name for the powdered product.
  • She bought a bottle of talcum powder.

Synonyms

• Powder (n): A general term for a dry substance in the form of loose particles.
• Baby powder (n): A common synonym when referring to the scented powder used for infants.

Related Phrases

• To be covered in talcum: To have talcum powder on one's skin or surface.
  • The boxer was covered in talcum before the match.
• A cloud of talcum: Refers to the visible dust created when applying the powder.
  • A cloud of talcum rose from the baby's changing table.

Noun

1. a toilet powder made of purified talc and usually scented; absorbs excess moisture
2. a fine grained mineral having a soft soapy feel and consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate; used in a variety of products including talcum powder