a smooth greasy liquid substance obtained from plants or animals that burns readily and is not soluble in water
any of numerous smooth greasy substances that burn readily, are liquid or at least easily liquefiable on warming, and are soluble in ether and similar chemical compounds but not in water
= petroleum
any of various substances derived from petroleum, used for fuel, lubrication, etc
Brit = paraffin
(used before a noun) of or fuelled byrelating to petroleum, a petroleum derivative, or paraffin
an oil lamp
an oil rig
an oil stove
a substance of oily consistency, used cosmetically, in cooking, in medicine, etc
bath oil
olive oil
= oil paint
a portrait painted in oils
= oil painting
Aus information or gen
[Middle English oile via Old French from Latin oleum oil, olive oil, from Greek elaion, from elaia olive]