kaolin

noun

ka·​o·​lin ˈkā-ə-lən 

: a fine usually white clay that is used in ceramics and refractories, as a filler or extender, and in medicine especially as an adsorbent in the treatment of diarrhea

Examples of kaolin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The creamy formula is enriched with a slew of conditioning skin-care staples like moisturizing jojoba seed oil and sebum-balancing kaolin clay. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 12 July 2025

Unlike traditional slow cookers or casserole dishes made from metal or glazed stoneware, the Claypot Oven uses untreated, mineral-rich kaolin clay as its base. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 July 2025

At the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Karen Scrivener and colleagues developed cements that blend calcined kaolin clay and ground limestone with a small portion of clinker. —IEEE Spectrum, 30 Oct. 2024

Oribe’s Serene Scalp Oil Control Dry Shampoo uses a blend of starches (corn, tapioca, and rice) along with kaolin clay to get that job done, plus rosebay extracts to regulate your scalp’s sebum production. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 18 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

French kaolin, from Gaoling hill in China

First Known Use

circa 1741, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

kaolin

noun

ka·​olin

ˈkā-ə-lən

: a fine usually white clay used in making porcelain, in paper, and in medicines that treat diarrhea

Medical Definition

kaolin

noun

ka·​olin ˈkā-ə-lən 

: a fine usually white clay that is used in ceramics and refractories, as a filler or extender, and in medicine especially as an adsorbent in the treatment of diarrhea (as in food poisoning or dysentery)