noun
- a type of absorbent clay formed from volcanic ash, used in drilling, foundry work, and as a sealant
Usage: geological; industrial
Examples
- The drilling crew added bentonite to the mud to prevent the borehole from collapsing.
- Bentonite clay is commonly used in cat litter because of its clumping properties.
- The pond was sealed with a layer of bentonite to prevent water leakage.
- Foundries use bentonite as a binding agent in sand molds.
- The cosmetic industry incorporates bentonite in face masks for its purifying qualities.
- Bentonite swells significantly when it absorbs water.