petrolatum

[ pe-truh-ley-tuhm, -lah- ]

noun

1. 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.

petrolatum

/ ˌpɛtrəˈleɪtəm /

noun

1. a translucent gelatinous substance obtained from petroleum; used as a lubricant and in medicine as an ointment base and protective dressing Also calledmineral jellypetroleum jelly

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrolatum¹

1885–90, Americanism; < New Latin; petroleum, -ate ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrolatum¹

C19: from petrol + Latin -atum -ate ¹

Example Sentences

The formula is also free of phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, palm oil, and GMOs, and they’re cruelty-free so you don’t have to worry about what you’re putting on your skin.

From The Daily Beast

Melt the petrolatum and add the tincture of cantharides, and while cooling add the other ingredients.

From Project Gutenberg

Melt the petrolatum and wax together and add the tannin while cooling; add the oils and stir until cold.

From Project Gutenberg

The absorbing medium is then treated with a solvent of the caffeol, and the solution is separated from the petrolatum.

From Project Gutenberg

See that solids are thoroughly pulverized and sifted, then add and thoroughly incorporate oil and petrolatum.

From Project Gutenberg

This use of liquid petrolatum and of petrolatum products generally is by no means novel.

From Project Gutenberg