oleum

[oh-lee-uh m]

noun, plural o·le·a [oh-lee-uh] /ˈoʊ li ə/ for 1, o·le·ums for 2.

Pharmacology. oil.

Chemistry. pyrosulfuric acid.

Origin of oleum

1900–05; < Latin: oil

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for oleum

Historical Examples of oleum

Oleum coriandri, L. From the fruit (seeds) of Coriandrum sativum.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II
Arnold Cooley
Oleum rhodii, L. Said to be derived from the wood of a species of Rhodoriza.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II
Arnold Cooley
Oleum croci, L. From the pistils of Crocus sativus (saffron).
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II
Arnold Cooley
Camphor oil; Oleum camphor factitium, L. Prepared by dissolving camphor in nitric acid, in the cold.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I
Arnold Cooley
Greek-fire was the precursor of gunpowder; it was the oleum incendiarum of the Romans.
The Browning Cyclopdia
Edward Berdoe

British Dictionary definitions for oleum

oleum

noun plural olea (ˈəʊlɪə) or oleums

another name for fuming sulphuric acid

Word Origin for oleum

from Latin: oil, referring to its oily consistency

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