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mineral spirits

American  

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)
  1. a volatile distillation product of petroleum, used as a thinner for paints and varnishes.


Etymology

Origin of mineral spirits

First recorded in 1885–90

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

This is fine on most cabinet finishes, but mineral spirits can leave an oily residue, creating the same issues as oil soap, Brazie said.

From Washington Post Dec. 9, 2022

Jeff Jewitt, a finishing expert and author of “Refinishing Furniture Made Simple” and other books on finishing, recommends starting by putting on nitrile gloves and dampening a cloth in paint thinner or mineral spirits.

From Washington Post May 9, 2022

This one features white-lacquered shelving, a DirecTV satellite dish and two pedal pumps for the mineral spirits used for gripping.

From New York Times Aug. 27, 2016

Wipe away what you can with paper towels, then use mineral spirits or kerosene.

From Time Magazine Archive

“No. It’s from…” Without completing my thought, I grab the bottle of mineral spirits and start fumbling with the cap.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

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