KAOLIN

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 12 July 2011

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KAOLIN  (n. pl. - S)

Definition(s):

1. (n.) a soft, fine white clay, often used in making porcelain, paper, and many other products

Useful information for game players:

• Front hooks: (none)
• Back hooks: -E, -S
• Anagrams: (none)
• Longer extensions: -ES, -IC, -ITE, -ITES, -ITIC
• Wraparounds: (none)
• Other Spellings: (none)
• Related Forms: KAOLINITE

Epilogue:
Composed primarily of the mineral KAOLINITE and also known as “china clay,” KAOLIN is a very important and versatile substance.  It is one of the key ingredients in china or porcelain and is also used in a surprising variety of other products, including paper, rubber, pigments, food additives, and medicines.  Its name derives from the Kaoling (or Gaoling) Mountains in southeastern China, where a French Jesuit priest studied Chinese porcelain-making techniques in the early eighteenth century.

This week’s theme: Words starting with the letter K

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