especially: a refined petroleum oil used especially as a laxative
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebTransformers have ruptured with drumbeat regularity, dumping thousands of gallons of mineral oil into the soil and causing two fires in the last 15 years. James Freeman, WSJ, 24 Aug. 2022 Transformers have ruptured regularly, causing two fires and spilling about 3,000 gallons of mineral oil into surrounding soil that prompted expensive cleanups.The Oregonian - OregonLive.com, 27 Aug. 2022 Transformers have ruptured with drumbeat regularity, dumping thousands of gallons of mineral oil into the soil and causing two fires in the last 15 years. James Freeman, WSJ, 24 Aug. 2022 Transformers have ruptured with drumbeat regularity, dumping thousands of gallons of mineral oil into the soil and causing two fires in the last 15 years.oregonlive, 17 Aug. 2022 Running a humidifier or applying a light coat of mineral oil periodically can protect and restore acacia wood’s resilience. Arricca Elin Sansone, House Beautiful, 16 Aug. 2022 The function of mineral oil is to lock in water—and anything else that is underneath it on your skin. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 2 June 2022 However, there isn't evidence that the amounts present in the ultra-refined mineral oil used in beauty products is particularly harmful. Jihan Forbes, Allure, 31 May 2022 It's made with nourishing ingredients like mineral oil, beeswax, and restorative postbiotics, that soothe and balance the skin. Nicol Natale, PEOPLE.com, 26 July 2022 See More
Word History
First Known Use
1771, in the meaning defined above
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