tall oil

[ tahl ]

noun

1. a resinous secondary product resulting from the manufacture of chemical wood pulp: used in the manufacture of soaps, paints, etc.

tall oil

noun

1. any of various oily liquid mixtures obtained by acidifying the liquor resulting from the treatment of wood pulp with sodium hydroxide: it contains chiefly rosin acids and fatty acids and is used in making soaps and lubricants

Word History and Origins

Origin of tall oil¹

1925–30; < Swedish tallolja, equivalent to tall pine (cognate with Old Norse thǫll young pine tree) + olja oil

Word History and Origins

Origin of tall oil¹

C20: partial translation of German Tallöl, from Swedish tallolja, from tall pine + olja oil

Example Sentences

The sun went down and wax candles were brought, instead of the tall oil lamps that were used on ordinary days.

From Project Gutenberg

The heat of the tall oil lamp almost scorched her face; but her back was freezing.

From Project Gutenberg

Just before we enter McMurray the wraith of a tall oil-derrick tells of the enterprise of some pioneer in the wilderness.

From Project Gutenberg