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

The “markets will likely remain cautious as investors juggle Middle East geopolitical risks and volatile oil prices, which continue to drive inflation expectations,” UOB’s Global Economics & Markets Research team says in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Government figures estimate that offshore wind is cheaper than gas over the long term and is less vulnerable to volatile oil and gas prices.

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2024

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

Treasury yields as well as volatile oil prices in the face of price-cooling moves by the United States and other nations.

From Reuters • Nov. 24, 2021

White horehound contains a volatile oil, resin, a crystallizable bitter principle termed marrubiin and other substances, and has a not unpleasant aromatic odour, and a persistent bitter taste.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 6 "Home, Daniel" to "Hortensius, Quintus" by Various