Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

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.


oil of turpentine British  

noun

  1. another name for turpentine

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of oil of turpentine

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

If the tympanites coexist with constipation, enemata, either with or without a small quantity of oil of turpentine, may often be used with advantage.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

It dissolves freely in hot oil of turpentine.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 1 "Gichtel, Johann" to "Glory" by Various

Counter-irritants, such as mustard, ammonia, or oil of turpentine, may be rubbed on the abdomen when it becomes tender to the touch.

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

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

From The Sea: Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism. Volume 2 by Frederick Whymper

It was composed of sweet oil and oil of turpentine, with a little oil of spearmint, and camphor.

From Canoeing in the wilderness by Henry David Thoreau

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training