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

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

New approaches replace the mineral oil with natural esters to allow the interior of the transformer to safely reach higher temperatures, prolonging the device’s lifespan in the process. —IEEE Spectrum, 11 Dec. 2024

To keep rust from reforming, wipe the metal sections of your tools with a cloth soaked in mineral oil and add a drop or two of the oil to pruner bolts and other moving parts. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2024

The Dewy Skin Cream is a rich moisturizer packed with hyaluronic acid and the brand’s signature purple rice, all while being formulated without mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, or phthalates. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Dec. 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