talc
talc
UK[tælk]US[tælk]
n
a soft white, grey, or green mineral that feels smooth and is used in the form of a powder for making the skin feel dry and smooth, or in the manufacture of plastics, paper, and other materials.
v
to put talc on something, especially the skin.
Etymology
the word 'talc' entered english in the late 16th century from the french term 'talc', which itself was derived via medieval latin 'talcum' from the arabic 'ṭalq'. the arabic term finds its ultimate origin in the persian 'talq'. the substance was historically known for its smooth, flaky properties, a characteristic that directly informs its modern applications in powders and lubricants. the semantic journey is straightforward, moving from the mineral's name in persian and arabic scientific texts to its specific commercial and cosmetic uses in european languages.
Analysis
this word is a loanword adopted as a simplex form. it does not contain separable morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
the climber dusted his hands with talc for a better grip.
talc is a key ingredient in many baby powders.
the manufacturer added talc to the plastic compound to improve its texture.