talcum powder

noun tal·cum powder \ ˈtal-kəm- \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of talcum powder

1 : powdered talc

2 : a toilet powder composed of perfumed talc or talc and a mild antiseptic

See talcum powder defined for English-language learners

See talcum powder defined for kids

Recent Examples of talcum powder from the Web

Giannecchini has had a lifelong relationship with talcum powder.

— jen christensen, CNN, "Does talcum powder cause cancer? A legal and scientific battle rages," 11 Apr. 2018
The jury’s decision was the first to find that the health-care company’s baby powder led to a mesothelioma diagnosis and the first talcum powder case to involve a male plaintiff.

— sam wood, Philly.com, "Baby powder nets banker with cancer an $80M verdict," 11 Apr. 2018
Ben Andrews never imagined his job would involve simulating volcanic eruptions with talcum powder and lasers.

— sarah kaplan, Washington Post, "‘100 times less terrifying’: How a volcano scientist makes eruptions indoors," 26 Feb. 2018
In the past week, two courts have handed Johnson & Johnson victories worth some $500 million by reversing multi-million dollar judgements awarded to women who’d sued the company, claiming its talcum powder had caused ovarian cancer.

— valentina zarya, Fortune, "Megyn Kelly v. Bill O'Reilly, Harvey Weinstein, J&J Lawsuit: Broadsheet for Oct. 24," 24 Oct. 2017
Boughs of trees, paper dusters, the blowing of soot and talcum powder will not be tolerated.

— johnny miller, San Francisco Chronicle, "Montana’s bittersweet 49er finale, 1992," 20 Dec. 2017
Scientific, medical and regulatory bodies have failed to ascertain a causal link or correlation between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.

— the editorial board, WSJ, "Talcum Tort Stick-Up," 25 Aug. 2017
Echeverria alleged Johnson & Johnson failed to adequately warn consumers about talcum powder's potential cancer risks.

— CBS News, "$417M jury award against Johnson & Johnson thrown out by judge," 20 Oct. 2017
Survivors of a woman who claimed that Johnson & Johnson's talcum powder contributed to her ovarian cancer are challenging a Missouri appeals court ruling that threw out a $72 million award.

— AL.com, "Free tacos, fresh food and Alabama hospitals in today's business news," 1 Nov. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of talcum powder

Medieval Latin talcum talc

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1890

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TALCUM POWDER Defined for English Language Learners

talcum powder

noun

Definition of talcum powder for English Language Learners

: a soft, white powder that is used to make your skin feel dry and smooth

TALCUM POWDER Defined for Kids

talcum powder

noun tal·cum powder \ ˈtal-kəm- \

Definition of talcum powder for Students

: a usually perfumed powder for the body made of talc

Medical Dictionary

talcum powder

noun

medical Definition of talcum powder

1 : powdered talc

2 : a toilet powder composed of perfumed talc or talc and some mild antiseptic

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See words that rhyme with talcum powder Spanish Central: Translation of talcum powder Nglish: Translation of talcum powder for Spanish speakers

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talcum powder

Definition of talcum powder

Recent Examples of talcum powder from the Web

Origin and Etymology of talcum powder

TALCUM POWDER Defined for English Language Learners

talcum powder

Definition of talcum powder for English Language Learners

TALCUM POWDER Defined for Kids

talcum powder

Definition of talcum powder for Students

Medical Dictionary

talcum powder

medical Definition of talcum powder

Learn More about talcum powder

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talcum powder

Definition of talcum powder

Recent Examples of talcum powder from the Web

Origin and Etymology of talcum powder

TALCUM POWDER Defined for English Language Learners

talcum powder

Definition of talcum powder for English Language Learners

TALCUM POWDER Defined for Kids

talcum powder

Definition of talcum powder for Students

Medical Dictionary

talcum powder

medical Definition of talcum powder

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