Talc
/tɔːlk/noun
A soft mineral, usually a hydrous magnesium silicate, used in powders and cosmetics.
Did you know?Talc entered English through medieval Latin and Arabic mineral terminology, and its name was borrowed for a substance so soft it could be scratched with a fingernail.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
tálkos
“A kind of stone or mineral, likely a talc-like substance.”
Late Latin
Latin
talcum
“Talc or a talc-like mineral.”
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
ṭalq
“Talc; a mineral used in medicine and cosmetics.”
14th Century
English
talc
“A soft mineral substance.”
Modern English
English
talc
“A very soft mineral used in powders, ceramics, and lubricants.”