petrolatum

noun

pet·​ro·​la·​tum ˌpe-trə-ˈlā-təm How to pronounce petrolatum (audio) -ˈlä- How to pronounce petrolatum (audio)

Examples of petrolatum 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.
And occlusives are ingredients that prevent your skin’s moisture loss and support the skin barrier, and those include waxes, petrolatum, and oils. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024 Key Ingredients: Squalane, petrolatum, aloe Best For: Dry skin, sensitive skin Size: 1.7 oz. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 7 Sep. 2024 Some worth looking for are petrolatum, lanolin, shea butter, jojoba oil, and almond oil. Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 13 Aug. 2024 Its cast of moisturizing characters includes glycerin, petrolatum, and shea and cocoa seed butters. Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for petrolatum 

Word History

Etymology

petrol(eum) + Latin -ātum -ate entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petrolatum was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near petrolatum

Cite this Entry

“Petrolatum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petrolatum. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

petrolatum

noun
pet·​ro·​la·​tum ˌpe-trə-ˈlāt-əm How to pronounce petrolatum (audio) -ˈlät- How to pronounce petrolatum (audio)
: a neutral unctuous substance that is practically odorless and tasteless and is insoluble in water, that is obtained from petroleum and differs chemically from paraffin wax in containing unsaturated hydrocarbons or naphthenes as well as alkanes, and that is produced in several forms: as
a
: a yellowish to light amber semisolid mass used chiefly as a base for ointments and cosmetics, as a protective dressing, and in lubricating greases

called also petroleum jelly, yellow petrolatum

b
: a white or faintly yellowish mass obtained by decolorizing yellow petrolatum and used similarly to it

called also petroleum jelly, white petrolatum, white petroleum jelly

More from Merriam-Webster on petrolatum

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!