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mineral spirits

American

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)

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.

Many websites recommend WD-40, which is mostly mineral spirits plus a light oil.

From Washington Post • Mar. 17, 2023

Plain mineral spirits would be a better option, he said.

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

To remove the film of silicone that remained on the deck after scraping with a putty knife, solvents were tried, including lacquer thinner, mineral spirits and alcohol.

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