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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:

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

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