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rubbing alcohol
noun
: a cooling and soothing liquid for external application that contains approximately 70 percent denatured ethanol or isopropanol
Examples of rubbing alcohol in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Dabbing a few drops of rubbing alcohol or white vinegar inside each ear can help dry them faster.
—Cathie Ericson, Health, 23 May 2024
There is no rubbing alcohol, nor enough medical gowns or surgical gloves, swabs or sanitary dressings.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 15 May 2024
After removing the tick, clean the wound and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 8 May 2024
Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet, wrapping it in tape, placing it in a sealed bag, or putting it in rubbing alcohol.
—Jessica Migala, Health, 28 Apr. 2024
Arm yourself with a squeegee or microfiber towel, a bucket and either a commercial or homemade window-washing solution (clean water, a few drops of liquid soap and a dash of rubbing alcohol to prevent streaks).
—Jennifer Barger, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
Either the individual items or the entire print bed can be placed into the Form Wash system, which is agitates the parts in a tub full of rubbing alcohol for about 10 minutes before they are moved into the Form Cure.
—Michael Molitch-Hou, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023
Saturate the material at the base with rubbing alcohol, close the lid, and place the jar upside down on a bed of dry ice.
—Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 23 Nov. 2023
Use similar techniques as detailed above; wet a cotton swab or pad with rubbing alcohol and gently apply it to the stained area.
—Natalie Schumann, Country Living, 31 Aug. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rubbing alcohol.' 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
1902, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near rubbing alcohol
Cite this Entry
“Rubbing alcohol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubbing%20alcohol. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
rubbing alcohol
noun
: a cooling and soothing solution for use on the outside of the body that contains an alcohol and water
Medical Definition
rubbing alcohol
noun
rub·bing alcohol
ˈrəb-iŋ-ˌ
: a cooling and soothing liquid for external application that contains approximately 70 percent denatured ethanol or isopropyl alcohol
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