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

Most natural stone counters should be sealed at least once a year to protect them, while butcher block and soapstone can be shined up with mineral oil. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025

Potential side effects from oral or rectal mineral oil laxatives include anal itching, anal discharge, cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and nutrient imbalances. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 2 Sep. 2025

Golden, reflective pearls catch the light just right, while shea butter and mineral oils deliver long-lasting hydration. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 15 Aug. 2025

Several people emailed wanting to know the precise procedure for applying mineral oil to silks of sweet corn in order to prevent earworms, which are actually moth larvae, from causing damage. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 2 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mineral oil

• aerofoil
• cinquefoil
• hydrofoil
• quatrefoil
• airfoil
• benzoyl
• despoil
• embroil
• etoile
• gargoyle
• recoil
• subsoil

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