mineral jelly
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A semisolid, greasy or jelly-like mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. It is typically used as a base for medicinal ointments and as a lubricant.
Usage
"Mineral jelly" is a technical or industrial term for a specific petroleum product. It is often used interchangeably with "petroleum jelly," though "petroleum jelly" is the more common consumer name.
Examples
- The pharmacist recommended an ointment with mineral jelly to protect the skin.
- Mineral jelly is a key ingredient in many industrial lubricants.
- The consistency of pure mineral jelly is smooth and semi-transparent.
Advanced Usage
- In formulations, "mineral jelly" may be specified to denote a highly purified, odorless, and inert petroleum base suitable for pharmaceutical or cosmetic use.
Variants and Related Words
- Petroleum jelly (n): The common, virtually synonymous name for mineral jelly, especially as a consumer product (e.g., Vaseline).
- Petrolatum (n): The official pharmaceutical and technical name for purified mineral jelly.
- Soft paraffin (n): Another term used, particularly in British pharmaceutical contexts, for mineral jelly.
Synonyms
- Petroleum jelly
- Petrolatum
- Soft paraffin
Notes
While "mineral jelly" is the target term, it is less frequent in everyday speech than "petroleum jelly." The word "jelly" in this compound refers to its soft, cohesive consistency, not to a food product.
Noun
- a semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum; used in medicinal ointments and for lubrication