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.

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Etymology

Origin of mineral spirits

First recorded in 1885–90

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Compare meaning

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

• mineral oil vs. mineral spirits
• naphtha vs. mineral spirits

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mineral spirits

Alcohol, denatured or not, and mineral spirits, with or without the most toxic ingredients, are both solvents, but they don’t necessarily dissolve the same things.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 17, 2023

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

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

Assemble a firsts-aid kit In a surplus ammo can, place spare bearings, seals, a seal puller, marine-grade bearing grease, mineral spirits or kerosene, a small notepad and pencil, and this page of Field & Stream.

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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