petroleum jelly

Definition / meaning of petroleum jelly

A thick, greasy, substance with no odor or taste made from petroleum (mixture of oily liquids found in the earth). Petroleum jelly is used on the skin to prevent drying and to help heal scrapes and burns. It is also used as a base for some ointments. Also called petrolatum.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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