Lanolin
/ˈlæn.ə.lɪn/noun
A waxy substance obtained from sheep’s wool, used in ointments, creams, and other products.
Did you know?Lanolin was coined in the 19th century from Latin *lāna* (“wool”) plus the chemical suffix *-olin*, so its “mystery” is really industrial chemistry disguised as ancient-sounding lore.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
lāna
“wool”
19th Century
German
Lanolin
“A coined commercial name for the purified fat/wax from wool”
19th Century
English
lanolin
“The refined wool grease used medicinally and cosmetically”
Modern English
English
lanolin
“A waxy substance from sheep’s wool used in skin-care and pharmaceutical products”