essential oil

noun

1. any of a class of volatile oils obtained from plants, possessing the odor and other characteristic properties of the plant, used chiefly in the manufacture of perfumes, flavors, and pharmaceuticals.

essential oil

noun

1. See oleoresin, fixed oil
   any of various volatile organic oils present in plants, usually containing terpenes and esters and having the odour or flavour of the plant from which they are extracted: used in flavouring and perfumery Compare fixed oil See also oleoresin

essential oil

/ ĭ-sĕn′shəl /

1. Any of various volatile liquids, such as rose oil or lavender oil, that have a characteristic odor and are produced by plants. Essential oils are composed primarily of terpenes and of lesser quantities of alcohols, aldehydes, esters, phenols, and other compounds that impart particular odors or flavors. They are used to make perfumes, soaps, flavorings, and other products.

Word History and Origins

Origin of essential oil¹

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

The fine aromatic smell is found in all parts of the shrub, but the essential oil is only produced from the flowers.

From Project Gutenberg

Take four ounces of powdered tartaric acid, and two drachms of essential oil of lemon.

From Project Gutenberg

It is black only because of its strength, being in fact almost the very essential oil of coffee.

From Project Gutenberg

Constituent of essential oil of Myrtus communis, L.—Clear, colorl.

From Project Gutenberg

On distillation it yields an essential oil that is exceedingly fragrant.

From Project Gutenberg