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essential oil
noun
: any of a class of volatile oils that give plants their characteristic odors and are used especially in perfumes and flavorings, and for aromatherapy compare fixed oil
Examples of essential oil in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There were eight essential oils and natural ingredients created for the couple and their guests.
—Jacklyn Krol, Peoplemag, 29 June 2024
But until more data are available on the safety of essential oils to treat head lice, the American Academy of Pediatrics said essential oils should not be used on babies, children or adolescents.
—Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 28 June 2024
For fragrance, add a few drops of essential oils, like lavender or eucalyptus, to two dryer balls and toss them in the dryer with your wet laundry.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2024
Luckily, this toilet spray is formulated with potent essential oils that mask those unpleasant odors after just a few spritzes — and there’s enough inside each bottle for up to 20 uses.
—Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for essential oil
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'essential oil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1674, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near essential oil
Cite this Entry
“Essential oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential%20oil. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Medical Definition
essential oil
noun
: any of a large class of volatile odoriferous oils of vegetable origin that give plants their characteristic odors and often other properties, that are obtained from various parts of the plants (as flowers, leaves, or bark) by steam distillation, expression, or extraction, that are usually mixtures of compounds (as aldehydes or esters), and that are used often in the form of essences in perfumes, flavorings, and pharmaceutical preparations
called also ethereal oil, volatile oil
compare fatty oil, fixed oilMore from Merriam-Webster on essential oil
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about essential oil
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