Meaning
Originally a large range of transparent or glistening foliated minerals. Examples include mica, selenite and the hydrated magnesium silicate that the term talc generally has referred to in modern times (see below). Also an item made of such a mineral and depending for its function on the special nature of the mineral (see next). Medieval writers adopted the term from the Arabic.
Etymology
Origin: French
From Middle French talc, from Arabic طَلْق (ṭalq), from Persian تلک (talk), from Middle Persian [Term?] (“medicament”).
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 19 recorded puzzles:
- 2026-07-18CAEILPT
- 2026-05-17LACDORT
- 2026-04-05ACTIFLY
- 2026-02-09TACIKLO
- 2025-12-21TOALCBK
- 2025-07-17TALDCIY
- 2025-07-12CATLINU
- 2025-06-07CALTFIE
- 2025-04-25TAMICLY
- 2024-11-30CAILMNT
- 2024-04-28TALECZI
- 2024-01-19CUATFEL
+7 earlier appearances in the archive.