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Glite Dictionary
mineral jelly

mineral jelly

4.1
A soft, oily product you put on skin and on machine parts to make them move smoothly
  • noun
  • /ˈmɪnərəl ˈdʒɛli/
translation icon : vaselina
  • He applied a layer of mineral jelly to the cut to keep it moist.

Examples

  • The mechanic recommended using mineral jelly to lubricate the machine's moving parts.

  • Mineral jelly is commonly found in many household ointments and moisturizers.

  • You should apply mineral jelly to the cut.

  • The doctor recommended using mineral jelly for dry skin.

  • Mineral jelly is commonly found in many household ointments and moisturizers.

  • He applied a layer of mineral jelly to the cut to keep it moist.

  • The doctor recommended using mineral jelly for dry skin.

Synonyms

petroleum jelly
vsmineral jelly
3 3.8

A soft, greasy substance used to protect skin and as a lubricant

is mainly applied in medicinal ointments and for lubrication rather than skincare
petrolatum
vsmineral jelly
  • Specialized
1 8.3

A thick greasy substance from oil that protects and keeps skin soft

is more tied to medical ointments and practical lubrication than cosmetic use

Surface Forms

mineral jelly singular
mineral jellies plural

Morphology

mineral + jelly

The phrase combines 'mineral' (of inorganic or mineral origin) with 'jelly' (a soft, gelatin-like substance), so a B1 learner who knows both words can reasonably infer it denotes a jelly-like substance derived from minerals/petroleum. Although technical details (hydrocarbon composition and specific medicinal/lubricant uses) are specialized, the basic referent is compositional and predictable from the parts.

Etymology

Mineral jelly is named for what it is and where it comes from: mineral (an old word for oil taken from the ground) and jelly (a soft, thick substance). That's why mineral jelly means a smooth, oily 'ointment' and 'lubricant' used to protect skin and help machine parts move.