any one of a number of colloidal stearates, palmitates, or oleates of various metals, including aluminium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. They are used as bases for ointments, fungicides, fireproofing and waterproofing agents, and dryers for paints and varnishes
metallic soap in American English
a soaplike substance made by combining the salts of lead, aluminum, and some othermetals with fatty acids: it is used in making paint, lubricants, cloth, etc.