oil of turpentine

noun

1. a colorless, flammable, volatile essential oil having a penetrating odor and a pungent, bitter taste, obtained from turpentine oleoresin by distillation: used in paints and varnishes, and in medicine as a carminative, vermifuge, expectorant, rubefacient, and, formerly, as a diuretic.

oil of turpentine

noun

1. another name for turpentine

Word History and Origins

Origin of oil of turpentine¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

A: Terpin hydrate, and expectorant made from oil of turpentine, was a popular cough medicine in the early 1900s.

From Seattle Times

The fear seized them in the back, but rubbing them with oil of turpentine gave them relief.”

From Project Gutenberg

It is usually sufficient to employ embrocations or stupes of equal parts of sweet oil and oil of turpentine, or of camphor liniment.

From Project Gutenberg

It is readily soluble in ether, benzol and chloroform, and with oil of turpentine it forms a fine transparent varnish which dries clear, smooth and hard.

From Project Gutenberg

It dissolves freely in hot oil of turpentine.

From Project Gutenberg