volatile oil

noun

1. a distilled oil, especially one obtained from plant tissue, as distinguished from glyceride oils by their volatility and failure to saponify.

volatile oil

noun

1. See essential oil
   another name for essential oil

Word History and Origins

Origin of volatile oil¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

A volatile oil, used to keep away insects from textiles, is obtained from the leaves.

From Project Gutenberg

The volatile oil of this plant has similar properties to A. citratum.

From Project Gutenberg

The flowers yield a volatile oil resembling that of turpentine.

From Project Gutenberg

(b) How may onions be peeled so as to keep off the fumes of their volatile oil?

From Project Gutenberg

The strong, typical flavor that characterizes bananas is due to the volatile oil they contain.

From Project Gutenberg