SYN: adeps lanae. [L. lana, wool, + oleum, oil]
- anhydrous l. l. that contains not more than 0.25% of water; used as a water-adsorbable ointment base.
* * *
lan·o·lin 'lan-əl-ən n a yellowish sticky unctuous mass of refined wool grease that can be absorbed by the skin, contains from 25 to 30 percent incorporated water, and is used chiefly in ointments and cosmetics called also adeps lanae, hydrous wool fat
* * *
lan·o·lin (lanґo-lin) [lana + oleum] 1. [USP] the purified waxlike substance from the wool of sheep, cleaned, deodorized, and decolorized, and containing not more than 0.25 per cent water; used in the formulation of water-in-oil creams and ointments. Called also anhydrous l. and refined wool fat. 2. the same substance, having the same uses, but containing between 25 and 30 per cent water. Called also hydrous l., hydrous wool fat, and wool fat. When the term is used thus, the anhydrous form of lanolin is usually specified as anhydrous lanolin.Medical dictionary. 2011.