Vaseline: meaning, definitions and examples
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vaseline
[ ΛvΓ¦s(Ι)liΛn ]
personal care
Vaseline is a brand name for petroleum jelly, a smooth, thick substance used primarily for moisturizing and protecting the skin. It is an occlusive agent that helps keep moisture in and can be used to treat minor cuts, burns, and chapped skin.
Synonyms
ointment, petroleum jelly, salve
Examples of usage
- I applied Vaseline to my dry lips.
- She uses Vaseline to heal her minor cuts.
- After the shower, I put Vaseline on my elbows to prevent dryness.
Word origin
The term 'Vaseline' was first coined by Robert Chesebrough in the 1800s. Chesebrough discovered that workers in oil fields were using a residue from the oil drilling process to soothe their skin irritations. This substance, made from petroleum, inspired him to create a refined product for commercial use. He patented the formula in 1859 and named it 'Vaseline,' blending the German word 'Wasser' (water) and the Greek word 'elaion' (olive oil). The product quickly gained popularity due to its versatile uses, such as a moisturizer, a barrier against weather conditions, and a treatment for minor injuries. Over the years, Vaseline has become a household name, synonymous with petroleum jelly, and is widely used in personal care routines around the world.