talcum powder

[tal-kuhm]

noun

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

talcum powder

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of talcum powder¹

1885–90; < Medieval Latin talcum talc

Example Sentences

Thousands of UK claimants have filed legal action against US pharmaceutical and cosmetics giant Johnson & Johnson alleging people diagnosed with cancers were exposed to asbestos in its talcum powder, lawyers said Thursday.

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The claims of links between talcum powder and cancer revolve around asbestos - a known cause of cancer.

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At 19 he joined the Polka Tulk Blues Band, named after the brand of talcum powder favored by his mother.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The band's first name, Polka Tulk, was inspired by a brand of talcum powder his mum used.

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Packed in my picnic basket beside my chair, Banana Cake joined me while watching sunsets on some of the most beautiful, sugar white, talcum powder soft beaches in the world.

Read more on Salon