propylene glycol

noun

: a sweet hygroscopic viscous liquid C₃H₈O₂ made especially from propylene and used especially as an antifreeze and solvent, in brake fluids, and as a food preservative

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are industrial versions of the glycerine found in propylene glycol, which is a necessary ingredient in making cough syrup. —

Diego Lasarte, Quartz, 10 Mar. 2023 Certain ingredients—namely fragrance, propylene glycol, essential oils, and sometimes vitamin E and lanolin—can also cause allergic contact dermatitis (red, itchy, bumpy rashes in the armpits), Dr. Austin says. —

Rachael Schultz, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2023 One of them, carrying propylene glycol, a chemical used in many products, including pharmaceuticals, antifreeze and perfumes, was not breached. —

Mark Walker, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2023 They’re made of 100-percent natural essential oils and are formulated without phthalates, parabens, petroleum, paraffins, PABA, mineral oil, propylene glycol, animal ingredients, and DEA. —

Olivia Hanson, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2023 Moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and propylene glycol helps to hydrate and soothe dry skin. —

Cristina Montemayor, Men's Health, 2 Feb. 2023 Usually, these formulas consist of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), desired flavor, and any other potential additives the CBD vape juice brand chooses to include. —

Dallas News, 4 Oct. 2022 Find a quality product with CBD isolate and propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin base for the best results. —

Dallas News, 31 Oct. 2022 When looking for a CBD oil, look for those that have been third-party tested and are free from pesticides, propylene glycol, and solvents. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'propylene glycol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of propylene glycol was in 1870

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near propylene glycol

propylene

propylene glycol

propylene oxide

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Propylene glycol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propylene%20glycol. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

propylene glycol

noun

: a sweet hygroscopic viscous liquid C₃H₈O₂ made especially from propylene and used especially as an antifreeze and solvent, in brake fluids, and as a food preservative