drying oil

American  

noun

1. any of a group of oily, organic liquids occurring naturally, as linseed, soybean, or dehydrated castor oil, or synthesized, that when applied as a thin coating absorb atmospheric oxygen, forming a tough, elastic layer.

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drying oil British  

noun

1. one of a number of animal or vegetable oils, such as linseed oil, that harden by oxidation on exposure to air: used as a base for some paints and varnishes

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Etymology

Origin of drying oil

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Father Nieuwland shook his head, decided it might be good for drying oil or possibly sheep dip.

From Time Magazine Archive

According as an oil contains oleic acid or olinic acid, it is termed a fatty or drying oil.

From The Art of Perfumery And Methods of Obtaining the Odors of Plants by Piesse, George William Septimus

It contains large quantities of stearin and has a low iodine value, making it a slow drying oil.

From Paint Technology and Tests by Gardner, Henry A.

When pressed, they yield largely of pure palatable oil, as a drying oil for paint, and known as artists' oil.

From Catalogue of Economic Plants in the Collection of the U. S. Department of Agriculture by Saunders, William

Paint the stairs, step by step, with white paint, mixed with strong drying oil.

From The Cook's Oracle; and Housekeeper's Manual by Kitchiner, William