volatile oil

noun

: an oil that vaporizes readily
especially : essential oil

Examples of volatile oil 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.
The volatile oils that give bay leaves their distinct odor and flavors repel flies, moths, cockroaches, and even mice. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 June 2025 Meanwhile, a report released Tuesday by LSE IDEAS, the London School of Economics' foreign policy think tank, said that Russia is betting its war effort on volatile oil rents, and its fragile financial system is coming under considerable strain. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 That outcome would produce periodic shortages and hence higher and more volatile oil prices. Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 30 Nov. 2021 With the ongoing demand being impacted by the incoming Labor Day Weekend travel, volatile oil prices and hurricane season looming, further price hikes may be in store. The Arizona Republic, 24 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for volatile oil

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of volatile oil was in 1800

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Volatile oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volatile%20oil. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

volatile oil

noun
: an oil that vaporizes readily
especially : essential oil compare fatty oil

More from Merriam-Webster on volatile oil

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