essential oil

noun

1. any of a class of volatile oils obtained from plants, possessing the odor and other characteristic properties of the plant, used chiefly in the manufacture of perfumes, flavors, and pharmaceuticals.

essential oil

noun

1. any of various volatile organic oils present in plants, usually containing terpenes and esters and having the odour or flavour of the plant from which they are extracted: used in flavouring and perfumery Compare fixed oil See also oleoresin

essential oil

1. Any of various volatile liquids, such as rose oil or lavender oil, that have a characteristic odor and are produced by plants. Essential oils are composed primarily of terpenes and of lesser quantities of alcohols, aldehydes, esters, phenols, and other compounds that impart particular odors or flavors. They are used to make perfumes, soaps, flavorings, and other products.

Word History and Origins

Origin of essential oil¹

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

The lemons aren’t just used for juicing; their peels are also muddled with sugar, allowing the essential oils of the lemon to come out and produce a more fragrant flavor.

From Salon

“His chakras are in pretty good shape,” Gong said afterward, as she applied a series of five essential oil blends specially created for animals.

From Los Angeles Times

Shelves along the wall are lined with hundreds of little bottles of essential oils and aroma chemicals.

From Los Angeles Times

I get the humidifier all set with essential oils, turn the lights down and try to have the last hour with no blue light, sugar, food, and keep it really quiet and soft.

From Los Angeles Times

There was also something both weirdly sinister and calming in how Victoria spoke while raising a bottle of essential oils to her nose — but maybe that’s just the Southern drawl at work.

From Los Angeles Times