attapulgite
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9.9
- noun
- /ˌætəˈpʌlˌɡaɪt/
- Specialized
- Some medicines contain attapulgite to help absorb toxins in the digestive system.
Examples
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Industrial processes often rely on attapulgite for its strong absorbent properties.
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The laboratory used attapulgite to test its effectiveness as a filter.
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The manufacturer uses attapulgite in its products.
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Many attapulgites are found in industrial applications.
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The company incorporated attapulgite into their new line of industrial absorbents.
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Due to its unique structure, attapulgite can effectively remove oils and contaminants in various applications.
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High-phosphorus attapulgite clay is often used in agricultural products for soil improvement.
Synonyms
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8.9
A soft clay that soaks up water and comes from volcanic ash
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9.9
A soft clay that swells when it takes in water and is used in industry
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7.9
A fine clay that soaks up oil and grease to clean surfaces or cloth
A clay that removes colour from vegetable oil to make it clear
A fine clay that removes color and unwanted parts from oils
A fine white clay that people use to make ceramics and paper and to absorb liquids
Surface Forms
Morphology
attapulgite = Attapulgus (opaque) = attapulg + ite
Although the suffix '-ite' commonly marks minerals, the base is a place name (Attapulgus) not a meaningful English root, so the word's meaning is not derivable from familiar English components.
Etymology
Attapulgite comes from the place name Attapulgus, a town in the United States where this special 'clay' was first found. This clay is very good at 'absorbing' liquids, so the place name became the word for the material used as an industrial 'absorbent'.