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

Formulated for all skin types, the cream is vegan, formulated without gluten, GMOs, parabens, fragrance, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, DEA, heavy metals, talc, and petrolatum/paraffin/mineral oil. —Felicity Carter, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

In reality, his products contained no actual snake oil at all—just mineral oil, beef fat, red pepper and turpentine. —Jordan Friedman, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024

Other laxative options are Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) and lubricant laxatives like glycerin and mineral oil. —Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024

Step right this way for an in-depth explainer on how to clean and care for it, but here’s the gist: At least once a month, pull out a clean microfiber cloth, a food-grade mineral oil, and a food-safe board sealant that combines oil with a protective beeswax. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 17 Sep. 2024

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