perilla oil

noun

1. a light yellow oil, obtained from the seeds of mints of the genus Perilla, used in Asia as a cooking oil and elsewhere in the manufacture of varnish, printing ink, and artificial leather.

Word History and Origins

Origin of perilla oil¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

But here, the rice, seasoned with little more than salt and perilla oil, lacks a vinegary-sweet bite and is merely refreshing.

From New York Times

The perilla oil was made from one of the first importations into this country, and was dark in appearance.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile tea. anise, antimony, Perilla oil and galangal root, all imported from the Orient, rose in price.

From Time Magazine Archive