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Petrolatum |
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petrolatum (pĕtrəlā`təm), colorless to yellowish-white hydrocarbon mixture obtained by fractional distillation of petroleum. In its jellylike semisolid form (known as petroleum jelly and also by several trade names) it is used in preparing medicinal ointments and for lubrication. As a nearly colorless, highly refined liquid known as liquid petrolatum, liquid paraffin, or mineral oil, it is used as a lubricant, as a laxative, and as a base for nasal sprays.
petrolatum a translucent gelatinous substance obtained from petroleum; used as a lubricant and in medicine as an ointment base and protective dressing petrolatum [‚pe·trə′lād·əm] (materials) A smooth, semisolid blend of mineral oil with waxes crystallized from the residual type of petroleum lubricating oil; the wax molecules contain 30-70 carbon atoms and are straight chains with a few branches or naphthene rings; used as a lubricant, as a carrier in polishes and cosmetics, and as a rust preventive. Petrolatum a mixture of solid paraffin and high-viscosity petroleum oil. Petrolatum is isolated during deparaffination of aviation lubricating oil and is used for the preparation of lubricants, commercial petroleum jelly, and cosmetic ointments. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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