from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Petrolatum \Pet`ro*la"tum\, n. (Chem. & Pharm.)
A semisolid unctuous substance, neutral, and without taste or
odor, derived from petroleum by distilling off the lighter
portions and purifying the residue. It is a yellowish,
fatlike mass, transparent in thin layers, and somewhat
fluorescent. It is used as a bland protective dressing, and
as a substitute for fatty materials in ointments. --U. S.
Pharm.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Petrolatum is the official name for the purified
product. {Cosmoline} and {vaseline} are commercial
names for substances essentially the same, but
differing slightly in appearance and consistency or
fusibility.
[1913 Webster]
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Vaseline \Vas"e*line\, n. [Said by the manufacturer to be
derived from G. wasser water + Gr. 'e`laion olive oil.]
A yellowish translucent substance, almost odorless and
tasteless, obtained as a residue in the purification of crude
petroleum, and consisting essentially of a mixture of several
of the higher members of the paraffin series. It is used as
an unguent, and for various purposes in the arts. See the
Note under {Petrolatum}. [Written also {vaselin}.]
[1913 Webster]