Mineral oil

mineral oil   n.   Any of various light hydrocarbon oils, especially a distillate of petroleum. A refined distillate of petroleum, used as a laxative.

Main Entry: mineral oil
Function: noun
1 : a liquid product of mineral origin that has the viscosity of an oil
2 : a transparent oily liquidobtained usually by distilling petroleum and used chiefly in medicine for treating constipation and especially formerly as a demulcent and solvent for nose and throat medication called also liquidpetrolatum, white mineral oil

mineral oil n.

1. Any of various light hydrocarbon oils, especially a distillate of petroleum.

2. A refined distillate of petroleum, used as a laxative.

mineral oil

a clear, colourless, oily liquid that is a by-product of the distillation of petroleum. Mineral oil is used in medicine as a laxative and as an emollient. Given orally, it coats the bowel and softens the stool mass, thus easing the latter's passage. Mineral oil is completely indigestible and is not absorbed by the intestine. Its prolonged use may cause vitamin deficiencies, however, because it carries fat-soluble vitamins out of the digestive system and thus prevents their absorption. The possibility of the accidental inhalation of mineral oil into the lungs, where it causes lipid pneumonia, further limits its usefulness as a laxative. Mineral oil applied to the skin makes the latter softer and more pliable by retaining moisture within the epidermis. Mineral oil also has a variety of minor industrial uses, including use in hair sprays and as a solvent, lubricator, and insulator.

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