mineral spirits

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a petroleum distillate that is used especially as a paint or varnish thinner

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mineral spirits was in 1875

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Cite this Entry

“Mineral spirits.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mineral%20spirits. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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