vaseline
vaseline Lexical Profile
vaseline Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A translucent, semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum (petroleum jelly), widely used as a topical ointment, skin protectant, moisturizer, and household lubricant (originally a proprietary trademark, often capitalized).
"She applied a thin layer of vaseline to her chapped lips before stepping out into the freezing wind."
• verb
To coat, smear, or lubricate something with petroleum jelly.
"The trainer carefully vaselined the boxer's eyebrows between rounds to help prevent cuts."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although "Vaseline" remains a registered trademark in many jurisdictions, it is frequently used generically in lowercase ("vaseline") in everyday speech and writing to refer to any brand of petroleum jelly.
• Rhymes for vaseline
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in 1872 by American chemist Robert Chesebrough as a trademark for petroleum jelly, formed from German Wasser ("water") and Ancient Greek elaion ("olive oil"), with the chemical suffix -ine.