linoleum
UK: lɪˈnəʊliəm | US: lɪˈnoʊliəm
n. A durable floor covering made from solidified linseed oil, pine resin, ground cork, and other materials on a canvas or burlap backing.
linoleum = lin<flax> + oleum<oil>
- lin (from Latin linum, meaning "flax" – the plant used to produce linseed oil)
- oleum (from Latin oleum, meaning "oil" – referring to linseed oil, the key binding agent)
Etymology Origin:
Coined in 1863 by English inventor Frederick Walton, "linoleum" combines Latin roots to describe its primary ingredients: flax-derived linseed oil (lin) and oil (oleum). The word reflects the material’s composition and industrial innovation, as Walton patented the process of oxidizing linseed oil to create a flexible, waterproof flooring. The term’s logical construction mirrors its functional purpose, blending natural resources (flax/oil) with modern manufacturing.
The kitchen floor was covered in vintage linoleum with a checkerboard pattern.
Linoleum is eco-friendly because it’s made from natural materials like linseed oil and cork.
She scrubbed the linoleum until it shone.
Modern linoleum designs mimic hardwood or tile.
The hospital chose linoleum for its durability and ease of cleaning.