volatile oil

American  

noun

1. a distilled oil, especially one obtained from plant tissue, as distinguished from glyceride oils by their volatility and failure to saponify.

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volatile oil British  

noun

1. another name for essential oil

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Etymology

Origin of volatile oil

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

"People are recognising they want energy independence - they don't want to be in the hands of a volatile oil and gas market."

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Governments from the U.K. to South Korea have vowed in recent weeks to deploy more clean energy to reduce their exposure to volatile oil and gas prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Shares on the Saudi stock exchange reversed course to close lower as it started the month on a shaky note amid volatile oil prices, while Qatar stocks rallied for the third straight session on Thursday.

From Reuters • Dec. 1, 2022

Setting the price will require aligning the complex array of economic and diplomatic forces that govern volatile oil markets.

From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2022

The giant gum is rich in a peculiar volatile oil, and it supplies a splendid timber for shingles, palings, &c.

From Australian Pictures Drawn with Pen and Pencil by Willoughby, Howard