bentonite

(ben′tən īt′)

☆

noun

a porous clay consisting mainly of the mineral montmorillonite, which swells greatly when it absorbs water

Origin: after Fort Benton (named for Senator Benton: see Thomas Hart Benton) in Montana, where it is found

See bentonite in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An absorbent aluminum silicate clay formed from volcanic ash and used in various adhesives, cements, and ceramic fillers.

Origin:

Origin: After Benton Formation (formerly Fort Benton Formation) of the Rock Creek district in eastern Wyoming

Related Forms:

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