oil of turpentine

American  

noun

1. a colorless, flammable, volatile essential oil having a penetrating odor and a pungent, bitter taste, obtained from turpentine oleoresin by distillation: used in paints and varnishes, and in medicine as a carminative, vermifuge, expectorant, rubefacient, and, formerly, as a diuretic.

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oil of turpentine British  

noun

1. another name for turpentine

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Etymology

Origin of oil of turpentine

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

In no case of inflamed or irritable kidney should Spanish flies or oil of turpentine be used upon the skin.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry

Dipping the cotton in oil of turpentine will do as well, if you use a larger sized jar.

From Endless Amusement A Collection of Nearly 400 Entertaining Experiments by Unknown

Scour′ing-drops, a mixture of oil of turpentine and oil of lemon used for removing stains.—ns.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

The fear seized them in the back, but rubbing them with oil of turpentine gave them relief.’

From Smeaton and Lighthouses A Popular Biography, with an Historical Introduction and Sequel by Smeaton, John

Make the smoke of oil of turpentine pass through the same flame, and it gives the flame a beautiful brightness directly.”

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Volume 1, No. 4, September, 1850 by Various