Definition

A type of soft rock that is mainly made of talc and is often used for carving and making sculptures.

Example

The artist chose soapstone for his sculpture because it is easy to carve.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a sculpture made from soapstone?

Yeah, I saw one at the art fair last year; it was beautiful!

I love how smooth soapstone feels when you touch it.

It's really unique; I've heard it's great for carving.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Soapstone is formed from "soap" (from Old English *sape*, meaning a fatty substance) and "stone" (from Old English *stan*, meaning rock or stone). The word refers to a soft, soapy-feeling stone that can be easily carved and is often used for sculptures and countertops.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'fatty substance' ('soap') that feels 'rock-like' ('stone') — that's why soapstone is a soft stone that feels smooth and can be shaped easily.

Visually Confused Words