mineral oil

American  

noun

1. a colorless, oily, almost tasteless, water-insoluble liquid, usually of either a standard light density light mineral oil or a standard heavy density heavy mineral oil, consisting of mixtures of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum by distillation: used chiefly as a lubricant, in the manufacture of cosmetics, and in medicine as a laxative.

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mineral oil British  

noun

1. any oil of mineral origin, esp petroleum

2. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): liquid paraffin.  a colourless almost tasteless oily liquid obtained by petroleum distillation and used as a laxative

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mineral oil Scientific  

1. A colorless, odorless, tasteless oil distilled from petroleum. It is used as a lubricant and, in medicine, as a laxative.

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Etymology

Origin of mineral oil

First recorded in 1795–1805

Compare meaning

How does mineral-oil compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• mineral oil vs. mineral spirits

Example Sentences

Common petroleum-based components include mineral oil, a clear oil that helps smooth the product on skin, and synthetic waxes that help improve products’ texture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends lip balms that contain ceramides, hemp seed oil, dimethicone, mineral oil and shea butter.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 5, 2024

They included Jolly Ranchers hard sweets containing mineral oil, which if contaminated with other compounds can initiate cancer formations.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2023

In an interview, Budoff said he would not have used mineral oil as a placebo had he known then about its possible adverse effects.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2023

Before bed, Mom had given me a couple spoonfuls of mineral oil.

From "Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key" by Jack Gantos