kaolin

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: ka=o=lin

CIDE DICTIONARY

kaolin, n. [Chin. kao-ling.].

 A very pure white clay, ordinarily in the form of an impalpable powder, and used to form the paste of porcelain; China clay; porcelain clay. It is chiefly derived from the decomposition of common feldspar.  [1913 Webster]
" The name is now applied to all porcelain clays which endure the fire without discoloration."  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

kaolin, n. a fine soft white clay produced by the decomposition of other clays or feldspar, used esp. for making porcelain and in medicines. Also called china clay.

Derivative

kaolinic adj. kaolinize v.tr. (also -ise).

Etymology

F f. Chin. gaoling the name of a mountain f. gao high + ling hill