talcum powder

American  

[tal-kuhm] / ˈtæl kəm /

noun

1. a powder made of purified, usually perfumed talc, for toilet purposes.

---

talcum powder British  

/ ˈtælkəm /

noun

1. Often shortened to: talc.  a powder made of purified talc, usually scented, used for perfuming the body and for absorbing excess moisture

---

Etymology

Origin of talcum powder

1885–90; < Medieval Latin talcum talc

Example Sentences

Talcum powder was sprinkled between the boards to eliminate creaks caused by the movement of cameras.

From Time Magazine Archive

The necessities for baby's personal care are: Talcum powder.

From The Mother and Her Child by Sadler, William S.

Talcum powder would not bring them out on that.

From Constance Dunlap by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)

Talcum powder hides the fact that his nose is shiny and somewhat pink.

From A Book of Burlesques by Mencken, H. L. (Henry Louis)

Poudre de Vicomtesse: Talcum powder, seven and one-half ounces.

From The Woman Beautiful or, The Art of Beauty Culture by Stevans, Helen Follett