tonoko; polishing powder; clay powder
A fine powder made from dried clay, traditionally used for polishing wood, metal, or lacquerware, and as a filler in crafts. The term is often used in woodworking and restoration contexts.
Rub tonoko powder into the wood surface and polish it.
Tonoko is used as a base filler for lacquerware.
Common kana-mixed spelling.
Compact kanji spelling.
Compound of 砥 (to, 'whetstone') + の (no, possessive particle) + 粉 (ko, 'powder'). The reading とのこ is a sound shift from と + の + こ.