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lanolin
noun
lan·o·lin
ˈla-nə-lən
: wool grease especially when refined for use in ointments and cosmetics
Examples of lanolin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Those prone to allergies might opt for this one, as alpaca wool is hypoallergenic, having only traces of lanolin compared to sheep’s wool.
—Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 11 Oct. 2024
But for those who are more sensitive, anything of mammalian origin is off the table: dairy, wool, gelatin, lanolin, and even more obscure products such as magnesium stearate, a fat derivative often found in pills and drug capsules.
—Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2024
The petroleum jelly, lanolin, and mineral oil in Aquaphor act as occlusive moisturizers and skin protectants.
—Rosanna Sutherby, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2024
Aquaphor contains the ingredient lanolin, which comes from sheep.
—Rosanna Sutherby, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
Latin lana wool + International Scientific Vocabulary -ol entry 3 + -in entry 1
First Known Use
1885, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near lanolin
Cite this Entry
“Lanolin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lanolin. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
lanolin
noun
lan·o·lin
ˈlan-ᵊl-ən
: the fatty coating of sheep's wool especially when purified for use in ointments and cosmetics
Medical Definition
lanolin
noun
lan·o·lin
ˈlan-ᵊl-ən
: a yellowish sticky unctuous mass of refined wool grease that can be absorbed by the skin, contains from 25 to 30 percent incorporated water, and is used chiefly in ointments and cosmetics
called also adeps lanae, hydrous wool fat
More from Merriam-Webster on lanolin
Nglish: Translation of lanolin for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lanolin
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