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

Removing Stains From Hardwood Floors During cleaning, check for stains from any spills or foot traffic and clean them as soon as possible. Use a mineral oil and apply it to the stain. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 13 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

The tints contain a black cherry and raspberry scent, feature a doe-foot applicator, are vegan and are formulated without parabens, talc and mineral oil. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025

Afterwards the staff gives you mineral oils to finish your circuit. —Adam Morganstern, Forbes.com, 1 July 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