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

Petroleum is also used in a variety of solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, detergents and surfactants; mineral oils; asphalt that paves our roads; and adhesives that bind structures together. —Sahit Muja, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Makeup with comedogenic ingredients like mineral oil is a common culprit, as are some richer skin-care formulas. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024

Glycerin and mineral oil round out the formula to help hydrate and seal in nourishment for calm and comforted skin. —Emily Orofino, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024

But even this measure does not include investment in or depletion of environmental stocks: for example, the United Kingdom national accounts include mineral oil exploration as part of gross investment but not depletion of oil and gas stocks by extraction. —Diane Coyle, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2014

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

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