soapstone
|soap-stone|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈsoʊpˌstoʊn/
🇬🇧
/ˈsəʊpˌstəʊn/
soft, soapy rock
Etymology
Etymology Information
'soapstone' originates from the English words 'soap' and 'stone', where 'soap' refers to the rock's soapy feel and 'stone' indicates its solid form.
Historical Evolution
'soapstone' has been used since the 17th century to describe this type of rock due to its texture and appearance.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to any soft rock with a soapy feel, but now it specifically denotes a talc-rich metamorphic rock.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a soft metamorphic rock composed primarily of talc, often used for carving and as a material for countertops and stoves.
The artist carved a beautiful sculpture out of soapstone.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/06/07 08:33