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

Remember that essential oils, while natural, are not risk-free. —Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Combine melted beeswax with an assortment of oils, such as palm oil, avocado oil, and sunflower oil, scented essential oils, water, and lye. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Oct. 2024

These aromatherapy releasing shower steamers are going to fill your shower with the wonderful smell of natural essential oils. —Kirsten Chanel Webber, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2024

Its signature grape extract and essential oils can be spritzed on before or after makeup application, to refresh skin after a workout, to give yourself a moment of relaxation, and, of course, to get skin glowing on demand. —Allure, 26 Sep. 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