lanolin

plural lanolins · alternative lanoline

1. uncountableusuallyA greasy yellow substance chemically akin to wax that is secreted from wooly animals, with a variety of uses from rust prevention, lubrication and waterproofing to cosmetics and skin ointments.

   1 more example

   She was sitting cross-legged on the floor with a tray of leather-bound books in front of her; she was rubbing lanolin into their covers […] ‘Look at these lovely old editions,’ she said, showing me a couple of small tan books, their bindings still glossy and moist from the lanolin, like newly exposed conkers.

   2009, Sarah Waters, The Little Stranger, Virago Press (2018), pages 138-139

   Synonyms: E913 when used as a glazing agent, lanichol, laniol, wool fat, wool grease, wool wax, yolk

present singular third person lanolins · participle present lanolining · participle past lanolined · past lanolined · alternative lanoline

1. transitiveTo treat with lanolin.