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¹oil

noun, often attributive \ˈȯi(-ə)l\

: a thick, black liquid that comes from the ground and that is used in making various products (such as gasoline)

: a type of oil that is used as a fuel to produce heat or light

: a type of oil that makes the different parts in an engine, machine, etc., run smoothly

Full Definition of OIL

a : any of numerous unctuous combustible substances that are liquid or can be liquefied easily on warming, are soluble in ether but not in water, and leave a greasy stain on paper or cloth

b (1) : petroleum (2) : the petroleum industry

: a substance (as a cosmetic preparation) of oily consistency <bath oil>

a : an oil color used by an artist

b : a painting done in oil colors

: unctuous or flattering speech

See oil defined for English-language learners

See oil defined for kids

Origin of OIL

Middle English oile, from Anglo-French, from Latin oleum olive oil, from Greek elaion, from elaia olive

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to OIL

Synonyms: canvas (also canvass), painting, oil painting

Other Mining and Drilling Terms

ore, trepan, wildcat

²oil

verb

: to put oil in or on (something)

Full Definition of OIL

transitive verb

: to smear, rub over, furnish, or lubricate with oil

intransitive verb

: to take on fuel oil

— oil the hand or oil the palm

: bribe, tip

See oil defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of OIL

15th century

Related to OIL

Synonyms: grease, lubricate, slick, wax

Rhymes with OIL

boil, broil, coil, foil, moil, royal, soil, spoil, toil

OIL Defined for Kids

¹oil

noun \ˈȯil\

Definition of OIL for Kids

: any of numerous greasy usually liquid substances from plant, animal, or mineral sources that do not dissolve in water and are used especially as lubricants, fuels, and food

: petroleum

: paint made of pigments and oil

: a painting done in oils

²oil

verb

oiledoil·ing

Definition of OIL for Kids

: to rub on or lubricate with a greasy substance

Medical Dictionary

oil

noun \ˈȯi(ə)l\

Medical Definition of OIL

: any of numerous unctuous combustible substances that are liquid or can be liquefied easily on warming, are soluble in ether but not in water, and leave a greasy stain on paper or cloth—see essential oil, fatty oil, volatile oil

: a substance (as a cosmetic preparation) of oily consistency <bath oil>

—oil adjective