PETROLATUM

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does petrolatum mean? 

• PETROLATUM (noun)
  The noun PETROLATUM has 1 sense:

1. a semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum; used in medicinal ointments and for lubrication

  Familiarity information: PETROLATUM used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PETROLATUM (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum; used in medicinal ointments and for lubrication

Classified under:

Nouns denoting substances

Synonyms:

mineral jelly; petrolatum; petroleum jelly

Hypernyms ("petrolatum" is a kind of...):

mixture ((chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding))

jelly (any substance having the consistency of jelly or gelatin)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "petrolatum"):

Vaseline (a trademarked brand of petroleum jelly)

Holonyms ("petrolatum" is a substance of...):

cordite (explosive powder (nitroglycerin and guncotton and petrolatum) dissolved in acetone and dried and extruded in brown cords)

petrolatum gauze (gauze saturated with petrolatum)

 Context examples 

Petrolatum is used on the skin to prevent drying and to help heal scrapes and burns.

(Petrolatum, NCI Dictionary)

A topical preparation containing fat-soluble vitamins A and D usually in a lanolin-petrolatum base, A and D Ointment promotes healing of minor burns, rashes, sunburn, skin irritations, and acne; and prevents diaper rash.

(A and D Ointment, NCI Thesaurus)

Also called petrolatum.

(Petroleum jelly, NCI Dictionary)