petroleum jelly

noun

Definition of petroleum jelly

: a neutral unctuous odorless tasteless substance obtained from petroleum and used especially in ointments and dressings

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Recent Examples of petroleum jelly from the Web

Owners can coat the dog’s paws with it before a walk; petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, can also work.

— john surico, New York Times, "Please Don’t Make Me Go Out There," 1 Feb. 2018
Don’t use products like petroleum jelly or oil for lube.

— korin miller, SELF, "11 Vaginal Health Tips Ob/Gyns Actually Give Their Patients," 26 Jan. 2018
Injury Scars: See the derm: Six weeks after the cut The treatment: Apply petroleum jelly to the active wound to keep it from forming a scab; laser treatment and silicone creams from your dermatologist can prevent the scar from becoming permanent.

— alexandra tunell, Harper's BAZAAR, "When to See the Derm for 7 Common Skin Issues," 14 July 2015

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'petroleum jelly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of petroleum jelly

1883

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in the meaning defined above

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PETROLEUM JELLY Defined for English Language Learners

petroleum jelly

noun

Definition of petroleum jelly for English Language Learners

: an oily substance that is made from petroleum, has no taste or odor, and is used especially in products that are rubbed on the skin to help heal a wound, reduce pain, etc.