talc

noun

ˈtalk 

1

: a very soft mineral that is a basic silicate of magnesium, has a soapy feel, and is used especially in making talcum powder

2

: talcum powder

talcose

ˈtal-ˌkōs 

adjective

Examples of talc in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Thus, when talc is mined, asbestos is commonly present in the talc, and the two materials cannot easily be separated. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

Resistant to creasing, the talc-free formulation smooths and soothes the skin around the eyes with peptides and chamomile, calendula, and magnolia-bark extracts. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2025

Its talc-free, cruelty-free, and vegan formula—which contains nourishing glycerin, moisturizing jojoba seed oil, and fatty acid-laden sunflower seed oil—is just a bonus. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 23 Oct. 2025

Her family claimed the company’s talc powder products were to blame. —Elizabeth Preston, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French talk, from Medieval Latin talc, talcum, from Arabic ṭalq

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

talc

noun

ˈtalk 

: a very soft mineral that consists of a silicate of magnesium, has a soapy feel, and is used especially in making talcum powder

Medical Definition

talc

noun

ˈtalk 

: a very soft mineral Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂ that is a basic silicate of magnesium, has a soapy feel, and is used especially in making talcum powder