n. & v.
n. an oleo-resin secreted by several trees esp. of the genus Pinus, Pistacia, Syncarpia, or Copaifera, and used in various commercial preparations.
v.tr. apply turpentine to. Chian turpentine the type of turpentine secreted by the terebinth. oil of turpentine a volatile pungent oil distilled from turpentine, used in mixing paints and varnishes, and in medicine.
[ ME f. OF ter(e)bentine f. L ter(e)binthina (resina resin) (as TEREBINTH) ]