fuller's earth

American  

noun

1. an absorbent clay, used especially for removing grease from fabrics, in fulling cloth, as a filter, and as a dusting powder.

---

fuller's earth British  

noun

1. a natural absorbent clay used, after heating, for decolorizing oils and fats, fulling cloth, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of fuller's earth

First recorded in 1515–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fuller's earth

Commercial fuller’s earth has been obtained only from the Upper Clay.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 "Frost" to "Fyzabad" by Various

Nutfield's chief industry, the digging of fuller's earth, dates back to beginnings that are now quite forgotten.

From Highways and Byways in Surrey by Thomson, Hugh

Furthermore the vitamine-activated fuller's earth retains its active vitamine properties for at least a period of two years.

From The Vitamine Manual by Eddy, Walter H.

Chemical analyses are of little value in determining whether a given clay will serve as fuller's earth, and an actual test is the only trustworthy criterion.

From The Economic Aspect of Geology by Leith, C. K. (Charles Kenneth)

If they have acquired a musty scent, take out the heads, and let them be well scrubbed with sand and fuller's earth.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849