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rottenstone

[rot-n-stohn]
noun
  1. a friable stone resulting from the decomposition of a siliceous limestone, used as a powder for polishing metals.
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Origin of rottenstone

First recorded in 1670–80; rotten + stone
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for rottenstone

Historical Examples of rottenstone

  • Tripoli (and rottenstone) are used in polishing powders and scouring soaps as well as for filter blocks and many other purposes.

    The Economic Aspect of Geology

    C. K. Leith

  • The unpainted surfaces will be kept clean and bright with rottenstone and oil or "Putz-pomade."

    The Gunner's Examiner

    Harold E. Cloke

  • Polishing is effected by wooden wheels fed with wet pumice-powder and rottenstone and by brushes fed with moistened putty-powder.

British Dictionary definitions for rottenstone

rottenstone

noun
  1. a much-weathered limestone, rich in silica: used in powdered form for polishing metal
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012