turpentine

1 of 2

noun

tur·​pen·​tine ˈtər-pən-ˌtīn How to pronounce turpentine (audio)
ˈtər-pᵊm-
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

turpentine

2 of 2

verb

turpentined; turpentining

transitive verb

1
: to apply turpentine to
2
: to extract turpentine from
especially : to tap (pine trees) in order to obtain turpentine

Examples of turpentine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In reality, his products contained no actual snake oil at all—just mineral oil, beef fat, red pepper and turpentine. Jordan Friedman, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024 Make sure to keep the used oil separate from other chemical wastes, like gasoline, turpentine, or other solvents. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024 Upon entering the room, hotel staff found flames spreading across the bedding, which reeked of turpentine. Longreads, 3 Oct. 2024 What if the very air that once carried the scent of linseed oil and turpentine could be inhaled by today's seekers of inspiration? Paul Jebara, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for turpentine 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of turpentine was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near turpentine

Cite this Entry

“Turpentine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turpentine. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

turpentine

noun
tur·​pen·​tine
ˈtər-pən-ˌtīn
1
: a mixture of oil and resin obtained from pines and some related trees
2
: an oil made from turpentine and used especially as a solvent and paint thinner

Medical Definition

turpentine

noun
1
a
: a yellow to brown semifluid oleoresin obtained as an exudate from the terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus) of the sumac family
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 oil of turpentine

b
: a similar oil obtained by distillation or carbonization of pinewood

called also wood turpentine

More from Merriam-Webster on turpentine

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