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

“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 • Jul. 21, 2025

With its earthy sweet scent, this essential oil also is used in the food industry and topically in various cosmetic preparations.

From Science Daily • Feb. 13, 2024

Most home remedies are ineffective, Crawley said, including essential oil repellents you may read about online.

From Seattle Times • May 4, 2023

Another popular option is to use an electric essential oil diffuser.

From Washington Post • Mar. 15, 2023

On school nights, she used to do my hair, and I could smell the jasmine-scented essential oil she dabbed on her wrists.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold