Pronunciation: ' t ə r-p ə n- ˌ t ī n, ' t ə r-p ə m-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English terbentyne, turpentyne, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French terebentine, from Medieval Latin terbentina, from Latin terebinthina, feminine of terebinthinus of terebinth, from terebinthus terebinth, from Greek terebinthos
Date: 14th century
1 a : a yellow to brown semifluid oleoresin obtained as an exudate from the terebinth b : an oleoresin obtained from various conifers (as some pines and firs)
2 a : an essential oil obtained from turpentines by distillation and used especially as a solvent and thinner ― called also gum turpentine b : a similar oil obtained by distillation or carbonization of pinewood ― called also wood turpentine