26984 words

oil

14 definitions • 19 examples
1
petroleum (= the black oil obtained from under the earth's surface from which petrol comes):

Examples:

drilling for oil
the oil industry
2
a thick liquid that comes from petroleum, used as a fuel and for making parts of machines move easily:

Examples:

diesel/lubricating oil
3
a smooth thick liquid produced from plants or animals that is used in cooking:

Examples:

4
a smooth thick liquid that is used to improve the appearance or quality of the skin or hair:

Examples:

bath oil
5
thick paints with an oil base, used for painting pictures:

Examples:

Do you paint in oils or watercolours?
6
to put oil on something, especially a machine, usually to make it work more easily without sticking
7
thick, liquid fat obtained from plants which does not mix with water and is used esp. in cooking:

Examples:

[ U ] vegetable/corn/olive oil
[ U ] I like oil and vinegar on my salad.
[ C ] These cookies are made with soybean and palm oils.
8
a thick, liquid substance that burns and is used as fuel or as a lubricant (= substance that helps connecting parts move easily), or the thick liquid taken from under the ground which oil, gasoline, and other products are made from:

Examples:

motor oil
Change your car’s oil every 12,000 miles.
9
any of a number of thick liquid substances that do not dissolve in water and are used in beauty products, paints, medicines, etc.
10
to add oil to something so it works better:

Examples:

Oil the door hinges so they stop squeaking.
11
to put oil on a pan or other surface that you cook on to keep things from sticking to it:

Examples:

Lightly oil the grill.
12
a thick liquid that comes from under the Earth's surface and is used as a fuel and for making plastics, etc.:

Examples:

More than 6,000 rigs were drilling for oil and gas.
The oil price increase is a genuine concern.
The oil exporting countries might not be able to meet rising world consumption.
13
to put oil on something, especially a machine, to make it work more easily without sticking:

Examples:

You may need to oil the wheels and joints.
14
to make it easier for something to happen, especially in business or politics:

Examples:

The new proposal will oil the wheels of deal-making by ensuring that the negotiations get off to a quicker start.

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