lanolin

noun

lan·​o·​lin ˈla-nə-lən How to pronounce lanolin (audio)
: wool grease especially when refined for use in ointments and cosmetics

Examples of lanolin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Certain occlusives—such as old-fashioned petroleum jelly and lanolin, found in Aquaphor—may not make sense for daytime use. Jani Hall, Health, 21 Feb. 2024 This beloved lip treatment contains castor oil, lanolin, and beeswax to condition lips for a suppler, softer feel. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 27 Nov. 2023 Most of the vitamin D in modern supplements comes from irradiated lanolin, a grease derived from sheep's wool. Christie Aschwanden, Scientific American, 19 Dec. 2023 Additionally, Courtney Moseley, a physician’s assistant who specializes in skincare says emollients like shea butter, lanolin, and petrolatum are also highly beneficial. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 20 July 2023 Infused with protein and lanolin, this tearless dog shampoo is designed to provide gentle skincare that leaves your dog's coat looking healthier and more vibrant than ever before. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 10 July 2023 Enriched with lanolin, beeswax, and jojoba oils, this balm offers a calming effect, gently soothing the skin. 10. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2023 The dense formula is a simple blend of lanolin oil and lanolin (a substance found on sheep's wool that Lanolips humanely extracts). Jenna Rennert, Vogue, 3 June 2021 The grenache blanc and picpoul lend acidity and energy to the wine, while the roussanne and viognier contribute honeysuckle and jasmine aromas with just enough leesy waxy lanolin for texture. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2023

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

Word History

Etymology

Latin lana wool + International Scientific Vocabulary -ol entry 3 + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lanolin was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near lanolin

Cite this Entry

“Lanolin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lanolin. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lanolin

noun
lan·​o·​lin ˈlan-ᵊl-ən How to pronounce lanolin (audio)
: the fatty coating of sheep's wool especially when purified for use in ointments and cosmetics

Medical Definition

lanolin

noun
lan·​o·​lin ˈlan-ᵊl-ən How to pronounce lanolin (audio)
: a yellowish sticky unctuous mass of refined wool grease that can be absorbed by the skin, contains from 25 to 30 percent incorporated water, and is used chiefly in ointments and cosmetics

called also adeps lanae, hydrous wool fat

More from Merriam-Webster on lanolin

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