oil
UK: ɔɪl | US: ɔɪl
n. a viscous liquid derived from petroleum, plants, or animals, used as fuel, lubricant, or in cooking
n. (art) paint made with oil as a base
vt. to lubricate or coat with oil
The word "oil" traces back to Latin oleum (meaning "olive oil"), derived from Greek elaion (ἔλαιον), which referred specifically to olive oil. Over time, the term broadened to include other fatty liquids. The Old French oile passed into Middle English, retaining its core meaning while expanding to encompass petroleum-based products during the Industrial Revolution. The word's evolution reflects humanity's shifting reliance from plant-based oils to mineral oils.
The engine requires synthetic oil for optimal performance.
She painted the landscape using vibrant oil colors.
Farmers harvest olives to produce high-quality oil.
He oiled the squeaky hinges to silence them.
Crude oil is refined into gasoline and other products.