mineral spirits: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MediumTechnical / Hardware / DIY
Quick answer
What does “mineral spirits” mean?
A petroleum-derived, volatile, flammable liquid solvent, used primarily as a paint thinner and for cleaning brushes and tools.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A petroleum-derived, volatile, flammable liquid solvent, used primarily as a paint thinner and for cleaning brushes and tools.
By extension, a generic industrial and household solvent for removing grease, tar, and oil stains, or preparing surfaces by degreasing. It may be referred to by various specific brand names (e.g., Varsol, Stoddard solvent) which have slightly different distillation ranges.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term "white spirit" is the standard, nearly universal term. "Mineral spirits" is almost exclusively an American term. In the UK, "mineral spirits" would be understood by professionals but is not common in everyday DIY contexts.
Connotations
In the US, "mineral spirits" is the standard, neutral term for this product in hardware stores. In the UK, "white spirit" carries the same neutral, practical connotation.
Frequency
Very high frequency in American English for this product category. Very low frequency in British English, where "white spirit" dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “mineral spirits” in a Sentence
Use [mineral spirits] to [VERB] (e.g., clean, thin, degrease).Thin the [PAINT] with [mineral spirits].Soak the [TOOL/BRUSH] in [mineral spirits].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mineral spirits” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You need to white spirit the brush before the paint dries.
adjective
British English
- The mineral-spirits container must be kept closed.
American English
- Make sure you have a mineral-spirits-safe container.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in procurement for manufacturing, maintenance, or construction supplies.
Academic
Appears in chemistry, materials science, or industrial arts texts discussing solvents and their properties.
Everyday
Used in DIY/home improvement contexts when painting or cleaning tools.
Technical
Specified in safety data sheets (SDS), industrial cleaning manuals, and paint formulation guidelines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mineral spirits”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mineral spirits”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mineral spirits”
- Using 'mineral spirits' as a countable noun (e.g., 'a mineral spirit'). It is non-countable.
- Confusing it with 'rubbing alcohol' (isopropanol) or 'denatured alcohol' (ethanol), which are different, water-soluble solvents.
- Misspelling as 'mineral spirites'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In common American usage, often yes. Technically, 'paint thinner' can be a broader category, but mineral spirits is the most common type of paint thinner for oil-based paints.
No, it is not recommended. Mineral spirits is a harsh solvent that can dry and irritate the skin, remove natural oils, and may be absorbed. Use a proper hand cleaner or soap and water after incidental contact.
Both are solvents, but turpentine is derived from pine trees (a natural product), while mineral spirits is derived from petroleum. Turpentine has a stronger odor, evaporates faster, and is often more expensive. Mineral spirits is generally preferred for brush cleaning and thinning for its milder odor and lower cost.
It refers to mineral spirits that have been further refined to remove most of the aromatic hydrocarbons, which are responsible for the strong, characteristic smell. It is less pungent but has the same solvent properties. It is often preferred for indoor use.
A petroleum-derived, volatile, flammable liquid solvent, used primarily as a paint thinner and for cleaning brushes and tools.
Mineral spirits is usually technical / hardware / diy in register.
Mineral spirits: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪn.ə.rəl ˈspɪr.ɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪn.ə.rəl ˈspɪr.ɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MINERAL (from the ground, like oil) SPIRITS (like 'spirits' as in alcohol, a liquid solvent). It's the 'spirit' or essence derived from minerals (petroleum) used for cleaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLEANING IS PURIFYING / THINNING IS DILUTING. The solvent is metaphorically a purifying agent that cuts through impurities (paint, grease).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate description of mineral spirits?