fuller's earth
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fuller's earth
[ful´erz erth]an impure aluminum silicate that has decolorizing and purifying properties. It is an absorbent used in the management of paraquat poisoning; the mode of action is by tightly binding paraquat to the clay in the formulation, which takes place in the gastrointestinal tract and facilitates elimination in the feces.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
ful·ler's earth
1. an amorphous variety of kaolin of varying composition, containing an aluminum magnesium silicate. The name is derived from an ancient process of cleansing or "fulling" wool to remove the oil and dirt particles with a water slurry of earth or clay.
2. a refined clay sometimes used as a dusting powder or applied moistened with water as a form of poultice. Currently refers to any clay that can be used for the purpose of decolorizing in oil refining. Used as decolorizer for oils and other liquids, filtering medium, filler for rubber, and in agricultural formulations.
[fr. fulling, an old process of cleaning wool, with earth or clay]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
ful·ler's earth
(ful'ĕrz ĕrth)1. An amorphous variety of kaolin of varying composition, containing an aluminum magnesium silicate.
2. A refined clay sometimes used as a dusting powder or applied moistened with water as a poultice. Used as decolorizer for oils and other liquids, filtering medium, filler for rubber, and in agricultural formulations.
[fr. fulling, an old process for cleaning wool, with earth or clay]
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
ful·ler's earth
(ful'ĕrz ĕrth)Amorphous variety of kaolin of varying composition, containing an aluminum magnesium silicate.
[fr. fulling, an old process for cleaning wool, with earth or clay]
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012