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petroleum jelly
noun
: a neutral unctuous odorless tasteless substance obtained from petroleum and used especially in ointments and dressings
Examples of petroleum jelly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Reapply petroleum jelly as needed for thorough coverage.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
Similar to petroleum jelly, lanolin works as an occlusive by forming a thick barrier on skin to seal moisture in and prevent moisture loss.
—Macaela MacKenzie, Allure, 5 Apr. 2024
Don’t have it on hand or worried about the potential mess petroleum jelly can create?
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
Once the dye is rinsed away, use body wash and a washcloth or loofah to remove excess petroleum jelly.
—Tracee Cornforth, Verywell Health, 1 Mar. 2024
Certain occlusives—such as old-fashioned petroleum jelly and lanolin, found in Aquaphor—may not make sense for daytime use.
—Jani Hall, Health, 21 Feb. 2024
However, the American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests that people who do sustain burns bandage the wounds and use petroleum jelly to increase the healing process.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024
Also consider using petroleum jelly, booties or paw wax products to shield their paws from cold weather damage.
—Laurie Larsh, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024
Strachan says to apply petroleum jelly to damp skin.
—USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'petroleum jelly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1883, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near petroleum jelly
Cite this Entry
“Petroleum jelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petroleum%20jelly. Accessed 14 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
petroleum jelly
noun
: a tasteless, odorless, and oily or greasy substance from petroleum that is used especially in ointments and dressings
Medical Definition
petroleum jelly
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on petroleum jelly
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about petroleum jelly
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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