petrolatum

[pe-truh-ley-tuh m, -lah-]

noun

a yellowish or whitish, translucent, gelatinous, oily, semisolid, amorphous mass obtained from petroleum: used as a lubricant, rust preventive, in the manufacture of cosmetics, and in medicine as a protective dressing, emollient, and ointment base.

Origin of petrolatum

1885–90, Americanism; < New Latin; see petroleum, -ate²

Also called petroleum jelly.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for petrolatum

Historical Examples of petrolatum

He is aware of the fact that petrolatum is not a fat in the true sense of the word.
Candy Medication
Bernard Fantus
The absorbing medium is then treated with a solvent of the caffeol, and the solution is separated from the petrolatum.
All About Coffee
William H. Ukers
See that solids are thoroughly pulverized and sifted, then add and thoroughly incorporate oil and petrolatum.
Burroughs' Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information, 1889
Barkham Burroughs
Melt the petrolatum and add the tincture of cantharides, and while cooling add the other ingredients.
Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians
William K. David
Melt the petrolatum and wax together and add the tannin while cooling; add the oils and stir until cold.
Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians
William K. David

British Dictionary definitions for petrolatum

petrolatum

noun

a translucent gelatinous substance obtained from petroleum; used as a lubricant and in medicine as an ointment base and protective dressingAlso called: mineral jelly, petroleum jelly

Word Origin for petrolatum

C19: from petrol + Latin -atum -ate 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

petrolatum in Medicine

petrolatum

[pĕt′rə-lā′təm]

petroleum jelly