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You know what it looks like… but what is it called?
TAKE THE QUIZmineral spirits
noun
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a petroleum distillate that is used especially as a paint or varnish thinner
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Most types of wood glue, including PVA, CA, and polyurethane glues are waterproof and moisture-resistant; PVA can also be easily cleaned up with water, whereas any polyurethane, epoxy, or CA glue residue must be cleaned with mineral spirits.
—
Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2023
Some people recommend cleaning cabinets with mineral spirits to remove remaining grease.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 9 Dec. 2022
If there’s any sticker residue left behind, remove it with a white cloth dampened with mineral spirits or acetone.
—Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 21 Nov. 2022
Citrus degreasers and mineral spirits are a bit less toxic but still hard on skin.
—Joe Lindsey, Outside Online, 6 Nov. 2020
The argument that one’s environment, and the ensuing stimuli, will mold a child into an exceptional species comprises, in a metaphoric sense, the splash of paint, immersed in linseed oil and mineral spirits.
—Jon Michail, Forbes, 23 May 2022
Step 2 Fold the chain into the plastic jar, add degreaser or mineral spirits to cover, tighten the lid, and then shake it like a maraca for two minutes.
—Joe Lindsey, Outside Online, 6 Nov. 2020
Make sure to have mineral spirits on hand for cleanup.
—Barbara Bellesi Zito, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2022
Allow the mineral spirits to sink in and soften the sap (about 10 to 15 minutes).
—Washington Post, 4 Dec. 2020
See More
Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2023
Some people recommend cleaning cabinets with mineral spirits to remove remaining grease.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 9 Dec. 2022
If there’s any sticker residue left behind, remove it with a white cloth dampened with mineral spirits or acetone.
—Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 21 Nov. 2022
Citrus degreasers and mineral spirits are a bit less toxic but still hard on skin.
—Joe Lindsey, Outside Online, 6 Nov. 2020
The argument that one’s environment, and the ensuing stimuli, will mold a child into an exceptional species comprises, in a metaphoric sense, the splash of paint, immersed in linseed oil and mineral spirits.
—Jon Michail, Forbes, 23 May 2022
Step 2 Fold the chain into the plastic jar, add degreaser or mineral spirits to cover, tighten the lid, and then shake it like a maraca for two minutes.
—Joe Lindsey, Outside Online, 6 Nov. 2020
Make sure to have mineral spirits on hand for cleanup.
—Barbara Bellesi Zito, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2022
Allow the mineral spirits to sink in and soften the sap (about 10 to 15 minutes).
—Washington Post, 4 Dec. 2020
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mineral spirits.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1875, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near mineral spirits
Cite this Entry
“Mineral spirits.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mineral%20spirits. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.
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