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

Adding a few drops of essential oils can give your clothes a wonderful fragrance as well.

From Seattle Times

The problem, they say, can be treated with things like restrictive diets, cleanses, supplements or essential oils.

From Seattle Times

The festival includes cultural dancing, a fashion show, essential oils and aroma jewelry demonstrations, storytelling, music and more.

From Seattle Times

I’m sure I would find it less of an obligatory ordeal to apply these things were they to be scented with more pleasant aromas, such as essential oils and the like.

From Seattle Times

Furthermore, the concentrations of essential oils in some “natural” products could be so high that they trigger allergic reactions, Buckner said.

From Washington Post