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fuller's earth

noun
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Definition of fuller's earth

: an earthy substance that consists chiefly of clay mineral but lacks plasticity and that is used as an adsorbent, a filter medium, and a carrier for catalysts

Examples of fuller's earth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Pointing to a section of the north wall overlooking the river, Sharma said that workers had recently applied the clay mixture known as fuller's earth, traditionally used as a bleaching agent to absorb oil and grease from sheep's wool. — Shashank Bengali, latimes.com, "How air pollution, a dying river and swarms of defecating insects threaten the Taj Mahal," 22 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fuller's earth.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of fuller's earth

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for fuller's earth

fuller entry 1; from its earlier use as fulling agent

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The first known use of fuller's earth was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Fuller's earth.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuller's%20earth. Accessed 23 January 2020.

More from Merriam-Webster on fuller's earth

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with fuller's earth

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fuller's earth

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