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

See Examples For:

drying oil

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

From Time Magazine Archive

But at length a drying oil is mentioned in connection with works of art by Aetius, a medical writer of the fifth century.

From On the Old Road Vol. 1 (of 2) A Collection of Miscellaneous Essays and Articles on Art and Literature by Ruskin, John

One pint of drying oil, two ounces of yellow wax, two ounces of spirit of turpentine, and half an ounce of Burgundy pitch, should be carefully melted together over a slow fire.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849

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.