mineral oil

noun

: an oil of mineral origin
especially : a refined petroleum oil used especially as a laxative

Examples of mineral oil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Like many of the mascaras on this list, its formula is fragrance-free, but Dr. Kelley says its ultra-gentle composition is also doesn’t contain allergens like beeswax or mineral oils. Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 4 Jan. 2025 While products like linseed oil or turpentine could help achieve this, Berrie suggests that mineral oil, or naphtha, was a game-changer thanks to its effectiveness in thinning paint and quickness to evaporate. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 11 Dec. 2024 The company says this formulation's carbon footprint its 82% lower than that of mineral oil. New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2024 The mineral oil will actually help protect the copper from oxidation by creating another layer the oxygen will have to work through to get to the copper itself. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mineral oil 

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mineral oil was in 1771

Dictionary Entries Near mineral oil

Cite this Entry

“Mineral oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mineral%20oil. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

mineral oil

noun
: an oil (as petroleum) of mineral origin
especially : a purified petroleum oil having no color, odor, or taste that is used especially as a laxative

Medical Definition

mineral oil

noun
1
: a liquid product of mineral origin that has the viscosity of an oil
2
: a transparent oily liquid obtained usually by distilling petroleum and used chiefly in medicine for treating constipation and especially formerly as a demulcent and solvent for nose and throat medication

called also liquid petrolatum, white mineral oil

More from Merriam-Webster on mineral oil

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