rock oil

noun

1. petroleum.

rock oil

noun

1. another name for petroleum

Word History and Origins

Origin of rock oil¹

1660–70; translation of Medieval Latin petroleum

Example Sentences

It was called rock oil and was hawked about the streets as a sure cure for rheumatism.

From Project Gutenberg

It has in one part a spring of petroleum or rock oil, and one of its mountains is a volcano.

From Project Gutenberg

That's his centre-bit, and this is the bottle of rock-oil he's supposed to have kept dipping it in to prevent making a noise.

From Project Gutenberg

Girl in Tranquilla convent that nun told me liked to smell rock oil.

From Project Gutenberg

It can only be preserved in naphtha, rock oil, or some other fluid hydrocarbon.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• crude
• oil
• petrol
• petroleum