mineral spirits
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of mineral spirits
First recorded in 1885–90
Compare meaning
How does mineral-spirits compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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.
For removing padding residue, the slow evaporation rate of mineral spirits is an asset; it gives you time to remove the softened goo before it rehardens.
From Washington Post • Mar. 17, 2023
If you’re using mineral spirits, pour some onto a cloth pad, then wipe across the floor; don’t pour it in a puddle.
From Washington Post • Mar. 17, 2023
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
