bentonite

ben·ton·ite

B b

Definitions of bentonite word

noun bentonite a valuable clay, formed by the decomposition of volcanic ash, that swells as it absorbs water: used as a filler in the building, paper, and pharmaceutical industries 3
noun bentonite a porous clay consisting mainly of the mineral montmorillonite, which swells greatly when it absorbs water 3
noun bentonite a clay formed by the decomposition of volcanic ash, having the ability to absorb large quantities of water and to expand to several times its normal volume. 1
noun bentonite (mineralogy) Any of several impure clay minerals consisting mostly of montmorillonite. 0
noun bentonite A porous clay formed by the decomposition of volcanic ash that swells 5 to 6 times its original volume in the presence of water. 0

before 1895

One of the 18% newest English words

1895-1900; named after Fort Benton, Montana; see -ite1

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A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 74% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.

Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

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