soapstone
[ sohp-stohn ]
/ ˈsoʊpˌstoʊn /
noun
a massive variety of talc with a soapy or greasy feel, used for hearths, washtubs, tabletops, carved ornaments, etc.
Words nearby soapstone
Also called steatite.
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for soapstone
British Dictionary definitions for soapstone
soapstone
/ (ˈsəʊpˌstəʊn) /
noun
a massive compact soft variety of talc, used for making tabletops, hearths, ornaments, etcAlso called: steatite
Word Origin for soapstone
C17: so called because it has a greasy feel and was sometimes used as soap
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Science definitions for soapstone
soapstone
[ sōp′stōn′ ]
A soft metamorphic rock composed mostly of the mineral talc, but also including chlorite, pyroxene, and amphibole. It has a schistose texture and is greasy to the touch. Soapstone forms through the alteration of ferromagnesian silicate minerals during metamorphism.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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