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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1771, in the meaning defined above
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
noun1
: 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mineral oil
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