ben·ton·ite (b n t -n t )n. An absorbent aluminum silicate clay formed from volcanic ash and used in various adhesives, cements, and ceramic fillers. [After Benton Formation (formerly Fort Benton Formation) of the Rock Creek district in eastern Wyoming.] ben ton·itic (-n tk) adj. |
bentonite [ˈbɛntəˌnaɪt]
n
(Earth Sciences / Geological Science) 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
[from Fort Benton, Montana, USA, where found, + -ite1]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | bentonite - an absorbent aluminum silicate clay formed from volcanic ash clay - a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired |
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