sassafras oil

noun

1. a yellowish or reddish-yellow, aromatic volatile oil distilled from sassafras root, used in flavoring, perfumery, and medicine.

sassafras oil

noun

1. a clear volatile oil that is extracted from the root of the sassafras tree and contains camphor, pinene, and safrole

Word History and Origins

Origin of sassafras oil¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

The production of sassafras oil is perhaps the largest industry dependent upon this tree.

From Project Gutenberg

Sassafras oil, distilled from the bark of Sassafras officinalis, and obtained chiefly from America.

From Project Gutenberg

It is sold as an artificial sassafras oil, and is very much used in perfuming cheap toilet or household soaps.

From Project Gutenberg

Safrol, an ether which is the chief constituent of sassafras oil, and also found in considerable quantity in camphor oil.

From Project Gutenberg