kaolin

views updated May 29 2018

ka·o·lin / ˈkāəlin/ • n. a fine, soft white clay, resulting from the natural decomposition of other clays or feldspar. It is used for making porcelain and china, as a filler in paper and textiles, and in medicinal absorbents. Also called china clay.DERIVATIVES: ka·o·lin·ize / -ˌnīz/ v.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

kaolin

views updated May 08 2018

kaolin (china clay) See CHINASTONE; KAOLINITE; and KAOLINITIZATION.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

kaolin

views updated May 21 2018

kaolin (china clay) Fine clay composed chiefly of kaolinite, a hydrous silicate of aluminium. It is used in the manufacture of coated paper, ceramics and fine porcelain.

World Encyclopedia

kaolin

views updated Jun 08 2018

kaolin (kay-ŏ-lin) n. a white clay that contains aluminium and silicon and is purified and powdered for use as an adsorbent. An oral suspension of kaolin is available to treat chronic diarrhoea. Kaolin is also used in dusting powders and poultices.

A Dictionary of Nursing

kaolin

views updated May 29 2018

kaolin fine white porcelain clay. XVIII. — F. — Chinese kao-ling name of a mountain (kao high, ling hill) in N. China, whence the stuff was orig. obtained.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD