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

Safe for most skin types, the formula is free of fragrance, oil, mineral oil, alcohol, talc, silicone, and gluten. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 May 2025

In language as deft and muscular as Rosa’s team, Drexler captures the scent of the blood and the resin, every wisecrack and sob story, every flake of talc and gob of spit, every pimple and blackhead on the lady wrestlers’ thighs. —Lauren Elkin, New York Times, 20 May 2025

Johnson & Johnson — Shares pulled back 4% after a U.S. bankruptcy judge denied the health-care product maker’s $10 billion settlement proposal tied to thousands of lawsuits alleging its baby powder and other talc products caused ovarian cancer. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025

Johnson & Johnson shares In equities trading, Johnson & Johnson slid 3.5% after a U.S. bankruptcy court judge denied the company's settlement plan related to baby powder containing talc. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 1 Apr. 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