oil of wintergreen

noun phrase

: the methyl ester of salicylic acid that is used as a flavoring and as a counterirritant

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oil of wintergreen was circa 1850

Dictionary Entries Near oil of wintergreen

oil of vitriol

oil of wintergreen

oilometer

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Cite this Entry

“Oil of wintergreen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oil%20of%20wintergreen. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

oil of wintergreen

: a chemical compound made from salicylic acid and used in liniments and as a flavoring

Medical Definition

oil of wintergreen

noun
: a preparation of methyl salicylate obtained by distilling the leaves of wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

called also gaultheria oil, wintergreen oil

compare birch oil

More from Merriam-Webster on oil of wintergreen

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oil of wintergreen

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