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

Brembo says the discs have been designed for rapid heat dissipation, while the mineral oil's viscosity remains stable across a wide range of temperatures. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 1 May 2026

Occlusives like petrolatum and mineral oil also help seal in moisture. —Carley Millhone, Health, 30 Apr. 2026

Witch hazel and barrier products such as zinc oxide, mineral oil, or petrolatum may soothe irritated skin. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 2026

Veterinarians treated him with Anti-gaz, Resflor, mineral oil and electrolytes. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026

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