I. ˈȯi(-ə)l noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English oile, from Anglo-French, from Latin oleum olive oil, from Greek elaion, from elaia olive
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : any of numerous unctuous combustible substances that are liquid or can be liquefied easily on warming, are soluble in ether but not in water, and leave a greasy stain on paper or cloth
b.
(1) : petroleum
(2) : the petroleum industry
2. : a substance (as a cosmetic preparation) of oily consistency
bath oil
3.
a. : an oil color used by an artist
b. : a painting done in oil colors
4. : unctuous or flattering speech
II. verb
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
: to smear, rub over, furnish, or lubricate with oil
intransitive verb
: to take on fuel oil
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- oil the hand