Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CIM'O-LITE, n. [Gr. κιμολια; L. cimolia, so called by Pliny; said to be from Cimolus, an isle in the Cretan Sea, now Argentiera.]

A species of clay used by the ancients as a remedy for erysipelas and other inflammations. It is white, of a loose, soft texture, molders into a fine powder, and effervesces with acids. It is useful in taking spots from cloth. Another species, of a purple color, is the steatite or soap-rock. From another species, found in the Isle of Wight, tobacco pipes are made. – Pliny, lib. 35, 17. Encyc.