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| oil [ oyl ] |
noun (plural oils) |
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| Definition: |
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1. thick greasy liquid: a liquid fat, obtained from plant seeds, animal fats, mineral deposits, and other sources, that does not dissolve in water and will burn. Oils are used for a wide variety of purposes, most commonly as lubricants and fuels and in cooking.
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2. petroleum: petroleum, the crude product that is distilled and refined to produce industrial oils and oil-based products
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often used before a noun
)
  oil prices
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3. petroleum derivative: a liquid extracted from petroleum and used as a domestic fuel or as a machinery and engine lubricant, e.g. heating oil or motor oil
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often used before a noun
)
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4. petroleum industry: the worldwide industry that is based on petroleum extraction and refining
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often used before a noun
)
oil companies
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5. thick liquid containing oil: a thick liquid containing oil or with the consistency of oil, especially a cosmetic
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6. graphic arts
Same as oil paint
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usually used in the plural
)
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7. graphic arts
Same as oil painting (sense 1)
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8. U.S. flattery: insincere praise or flattery
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verb (past and past participle oiled, present participle oil·ing, 3rd person present singular oils) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive verb apply oil to something: to put oil into or onto something in order to lubricate, polish, preserve, or soften it
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2. transitive and intransitive verb nautical give or get fuel: to supply a ship with oil, or be supplied with oil
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3. transitive and intransitive verb turn into oil: to turn a solid fat such as butter or lard into an oily liquid, or be turned into an oily liquid
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| [12th century. < Old French, via Latin oleum "olive oil" < Greek elaion< elaia "olive"] |
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| oiled adjective |
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burn the midnight oil to work or study until very late at night
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