terra alba

American  

[al-buh, awl-] / ˈæl bə, ˈɔl- /

noun

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

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terra alba British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of terra alba

1870–75; < Latin: white earth

Example Sentences

It is also in wide industrial demand as a flux in smelting, as ''mineral white" or "terra alba'' in the paper, textile and paint trades.

From Time Magazine Archive

Terra alba, white clay, which is fine as sugar, and is sieved into cream work or on candy, and worked into it.

From Project Gutenberg

It's terra alba and cochineal.

From Project Gutenberg

It is doubtful if an adulterated sugar can be found in the United States, notwithstanding the tales of the grocer who "sands" his sugar, and of the producer who adds terra alba or some other adulterant.

From Project Gutenberg

In the case of confectionery: If it contains terra alba, barytes, talc, chrome yellow or other mineral substance or poisonous colour or flavour, or other ingredient deleterious or detrimental to health, or any vinous, malt or spirituous liquor or compound or narcotic drug.

From Project Gutenberg