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canola

American  
[kuh-noh-luh] / kəˈnoʊ lə /

noun

  1. a variety of the rapeseed plant that contains reduced levels of erucic acid, making its oil palatable for human consumption, and reduced levels of a toxic glucosin, making its meal desirable as a livestock feed.


canola British  
/ kəˈnəʊlə /

noun

  1. a cooking oil extracted from a variety of rapeseed developed in Canada

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of canola

First recorded in 1975–80; formerly a Canadian trademark; either abbreviation of Can(adian) o(il) l(ow) a(cid) or a blend of Can(ada) ( def. ) and -ola ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The study also reported that, among the foods tested, the highest PAH levels were found in soybean oil, followed by duck meat and canola oil.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

The speech came on the heels of Canada striking a limited, preliminary trade pact with China that would lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and Canadian agriculture including canola oil.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

Since his grandfather bought the 17,000 acres in 1956, the Leguee family has grown canola, wheat, flax and green lentils.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

In exchange, China will cut tariffs on Canadian canola seed to around 15% by 1 March, down from the current rate of 84%.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has fueled concern over oils made from crops such as canola, corn, soybean and sunflower, calling them “one of the worst things you can eat.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

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