wool-grease

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. The material, of greasy consistence, obtained from raw sheep's wool by extraction with special solvents, such as petroleum ether, or recovered from water in which the wool has been scoured. It consists largely of cholesterol and isocho-lesterol and thin esters, along with potash salts and certain special fatty and waxy organic substances. Lanolin for medical use and potassium carbonate are made from it. Also known as suint.