mineral oil

noun
1.
a colorless, oily, almost tasteless, water-insoluble liquid, usually of either a standard light density (light mineral oil) or a standard heavy density (heavy mineral oil) consisting of mixtures of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum by distillation: used chiefly as a lubricant, in the manufacture of cosmetics, and in medicine as a laxative.
Also called liquid petrolatum.
Origin
1795-1805
Examples from the web for mineral oil
  • It is able to do this because it is filled with a mineral oil that slowly diffuses through the silicone.
  • mineral oil is a liquid oil produced from petroleum.
  • mineral oil can cause aspiration pneumonia, a condition where vomited stomach contents are inhaled.
  • Often a warm mineral oil enema is used to soften and lubricate the stool.
  • Do not use petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or other oils.
  • mineral oil mist is a colorless, oily liquid mist generated as a result of the use of various mineral oils.
  • No methods were identified for determining biomarkers of exposure to or effect of mineral oil hydraulic fluids.
  • Residual hexane from the condensers is captured by mineral oil scrubbers.
British Dictionary definitions for mineral oil

mineral oil

noun
1.
(Brit) any oil of mineral origin, esp petroleum
2.
(US & Canadian) a colourless almost tasteless oily liquid obtained by petroleum distillation and used as a laxative Also called (in Britain and certain other countries) liquid paraffin
mineral oil in Medicine

mineral oil n.

  1. Any of various light hydrocarbon oils, especially a distillate of petroleum.

  2. A refined distillate of petroleum, used as a laxative.

mineral oil in Science
mineral oil  
A colorless, odorless, tasteless oil distilled from petroleum. It is used as a lubricant and, in medicine, as a laxative.
Encyclopedia Article for mineral oil

a clear, colourless, oily liquid that is a by-product of the distillation of petroleum. Mineral oil is used in medicine as a laxative and as an emollient. Given orally, it coats the bowel and softens the stool mass, thus easing the latter's passage. Mineral oil is completely indigestible and is not absorbed by the intestine. Its prolonged use may cause vitamin deficiencies, however, because it carries fat-soluble vitamins out of the digestive system and thus prevents their absorption. The possibility of the accidental inhalation of mineral oil into the lungs, where it causes lipid pneumonia, further limits its usefulness as a laxative. Mineral oil applied to the skin makes the latter softer and more pliable by retaining moisture within the epidermis. Mineral oil also has a variety of minor industrial uses, including use in hair sprays and as a solvent, lubricator, and insulator.

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