terra alba

[ al-buh, awl- ]

noun

1. any of various white, earthy or powdery substances, as pipe clay, gypsum, kaolin, or magnesia.

terra alba

/ ˈælbə /

noun

1. a white finely powdered form of gypsum, used to make paints, paper, etc
2. any of various other white earthy substances, such as kaolin, pipeclay, and magnesia

Word History and Origins

Origin of terra alba¹

1870–75; < Latin: white earth

Word History and Origins

Origin of terra alba¹

from Latin, literally: white earth

Example Sentences

Flour, terra alba, alum, and chalk are the chief ingredients used in the adulteration of cream of tartar.

From Project Gutenberg

Pulverized sugar is often adulterated with starch, flour, magnesia, and sometimes silex and terra alba.

From Project Gutenberg

Sugar has a tendency to increase the fatty and warming matter of the system; gypsum, or terra alba, to destroy it.

From Project Gutenberg