(obsolete) Originally a large range of transparent or glistening foliated minerals. Examples include mica, selenite and the hydrated magnesium silicate that the term talc generally has referred to in modern times (see below). Also an item made of such a mineral and depending for its function on the special nature of the mineral (see next). Mediaeval writers adopted the term from the Arabic.

(transitive) To apply talc to.

plural of talc

Third-person singular simple present indicative form of talc

present participle of talc

simple past tense and past participle of talc

(obsolete) A nostrum made of calcined talc, famous in the 17th century as a cosmetic.

French chalk

Powdered and perfumed talc for toilet use.

(transitive) To perfume with talcum powder.