vaseline
/'væsili:n/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A trademarked brand of petroleum jelly: "Vaseline" is a specific brand name for a type of semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons, used as an ointment, lubricant, or moisturizer. It is a proprietary eponym, where the brand name is often used generically to refer to petroleum jelly.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to protect the skin from chafing.
- She used Vaseline to remove her eye makeup gently.
- The mechanic put some Vaseline on the O-ring to create a better seal.
Advanced Usage
- "to Vaseline" (verb, informal/rare): To apply Vaseline to something.
- He carefully Vaselined the hinges to stop them from squeaking. (Note: This is a non-standard, verbified usage derived from the trademark.)
Variants and Related Words
Petroleum jelly (n): The generic term for the substance. "Vaseline" is a brand of petroleum jelly.
- Petroleum jelly has many household uses.
Petrolatum (n): The technical/medical term for petroleum jelly.
- The ointment's main ingredient is white petrolatum.
Synonyms
- Petroleum jelly: The common generic synonym.
- Petrolatum: The technical synonym.
- Soft paraffin: A synonym used primarily in British English pharmacology.
Related Phrases
Vaseline glass: A type of glass that contains uranium, giving it a yellow-green color reminiscent of petroleum jelly.
- She collects antiques, including pieces of Vaseline glass.
Vaseline lens (photography slang): A technique or filter used to create a soft-focus, dreamy effect, metaphorically likened to smearing Vaseline on a lens.
- The portrait photographer used a Vaseline lens effect for a romantic look.
Noun
- a trademarked brand of petroleum jelly