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

The sauna was enhanced with soothing essential oil aromas and creative LED lighting that illuminated the benches. —Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Plush pillows and linens, soft, adjustable lighting, a sound machine, and a scented candle or essential oil diffuser can help set a tranquil scene. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Dec. 2024

It’s bundled with essential oil sets that offer soothing scents like lavender, jasmine, and citrus—ideal for stress relief, promoting better sleep, or enhancing a cozy atmosphere. —Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024

Essential Oil Shower Steamers Give Mom the gift of relaxation with these soothing essential oil shower steamers. —Cai Cramer, People.com, 4 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