oil slick

noun

1. a smooth area on the surface of water caused by the presence of oil.

oil slick

noun

1. a mass of floating oil covering an area of water, esp oil that has leaked or been discharged from a ship

Word History and Origins

Origin of oil slick¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The coast guard has detected an oil slick stretching to about four kilometres, describing it as "enormous".

From BBC

The team say the “oil slick” look was inspired by a fusion of the colours associated with the Florida city.

From BBC

The Rubymar was an “environmental disaster” even before sinking because the attack created an 18-mile oil slick, Central Command warned last month.

From New York Times

Even before plunging to the ocean’s depths, the vessel had been leaking heavy fuel that triggered an 18-mile oil slick through the waterway, which is critical for cargo and energy shipments heading to Europe.

From Los Angeles Times

The Trinidad and Tobago Weather Center said satellite images suggested the oil slick had spread into the marine area of Grenada as early as 14 February.

From BBC