essential oil

American  

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.

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essential oil British  

noun

1. 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

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essential oil Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of essential oil

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

I inhale essential oils through a sheet, a subtle but impactful way to signal the beginning of the experience to my nervous system.

From Los Angeles Times

When it comes to smell, use a diffuser with essential oils like lavender which can help you relax.

From BBC

The lemons aren’t just used for juicing; their peels are also muddled with sugar, allowing the essential oils of the lemon to come out and produce a more fragrant flavor.

From Salon

“His chakras are in pretty good shape,” Gong said afterward, as she applied a series of five essential oil blends specially created for animals.

From Los Angeles Times

Lin says, holding a bottle of green tea essential oil under my nose.

From Los Angeles Times