Definitions for: Petrolatum


[n] a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum; used in medicinal ointments and for lubrication



Webster (1913) Definition: Pet`ro*la"tum, n. (Chem. & Pharm.)
A semisolid unctuous substance, neutral, and without taste or
odor, derived from petroleum by distilling off the lighter
portions and purifying the residue. It is a yellowish,
fatlike mass, transparent in thin layers, and somewhat
fluorescent. It is used as a bland protective dressing, and
as a substitute for fatty materials in ointments. --U. S.
Pharm.

Note: Petrolatum is the official name for the purified
product. Cosmoline and vaseline are commercial names
for substances essentially the same, but differing
slightly in appearance and consistency or fusibility.

Synonyms: mineral jelly, petroleum jelly

See Also: cordite, jelly, mixture, petrolatum gauze, Vaseline

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