essential oil

noun

: any of a class of volatile oils that give plants their characteristic odors and are used especially in perfumes and flavorings, and for aromatherapy compare fixed oil

Examples of essential oil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Owners can also use a small amount of cat-safe, mild dish soap diluted with water to gently clean the affected area, although they are advised to avoid harsh chemicals or essential oils. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

Neal’s Yard, Wild Rose Neal’s Yard’s Wild Rose soap is a classic British hand soap that is certified organic and palm-oil-free and is beautifully fragranced with geranium and patchouli essential oils, an unusual mix that adds depth to its fragrance. —Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

When used for aromatherapy—either in incense form or a diffused essential oil—the warming, spicy scent is thought to improve feelings of well-being and ease anxiety. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024

Christmas trees, holiday plants, decorations, candles, essential oils, and even gift packages pose hazards. —Sara Hansen, The Denver Post, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

essential oil

noun

: any of a large class of volatile odoriferous oils of vegetable origin that give plants their characteristic odors and often other properties, that are obtained from various parts of the plants (as flowers, leaves, or bark) by steam distillation, expression, or extraction, that are usually mixtures of compounds (as aldehydes or esters), and that are used often in the form of essences in perfumes, flavorings, and pharmaceutical preparations

called also ethereal oil, volatile oil

compare fatty oil, fixed oil