oleaginous

[ oh-lee-aj-uh-nuhs ]

adjective

1. having the nature or qualities of oil.
2. containing oil.
3. producing oil.
4. unctuous; fawning; smarmy.

oleaginous

/ ˌəʊlɪˈædʒɪnəs /

adjective

1. resembling or having the properties of oil
2. containing or producing oil

Other Words From

• ole·agi·nous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of oleaginous¹

First recorded in 1425–50; Middle English oliaginose, (from Middle French oléagineux), from Latin oleāgineus, oleāginius, oleāginus “pertaining to an olive tree,” derivative of olea “olive, olive tree” ( olive )

Word History and Origins

Origin of oleaginous¹

C17: from Latin oleāginus, from olea olive ; see also oil

Example Sentences

“You are a great man,” Arafat said, turning on his insincere, oleaginous charm.

From The Daily Beast

It also gives it an oleaginous mouthfeel that I don't like in soup.

From The Daily Beast

She will almost never be praised in public except by oleaginous flatterers desperate for social advantage.

From The Daily Beast

I really like that, as it was quite a change from the somewhat oleaginous British academic leadership.

From The Daily Beast

Kissinger, at his oleaginous best, tries to reassure Nixon that, whatever the press says, the bombing achieved its intention.

From The Daily Beast

They are oleaginous, and nutritious; and are used as a substitute for almonds.

From Project Gutenberg

A volatile oleaginous substance obtained by distillation from draco-cephalum Moldavicum.

From Project Gutenberg

Because friction generates caloric, which volatises the oleaginous particles of the stearine matter.

From Project Gutenberg

In this caldron a seething sea of oleaginous liquid conceals an infinite variety of animal and vegetable substances.

From Project Gutenberg

The fruit of this plant (hemp seed) is demulcent and oleaginous.

From Project Gutenberg