essential oil

noun

Definition of essential oil

: any of a class of volatile oils that give plants their characteristic odors and are used especially in perfumes and flavorings, and for aromatherapy — compare fixed oil

Examples of essential oil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The set includes five essential oil blends in rollerballs specifically formulated to tackle stress, soothe aches and pains and support overall health. — Noma Nazish, Forbes, 26 Apr. 2022 Don't hesitate to also stock her up with essential oil blends from the brand. — Isis Briones, House Beautiful, 15 Apr. 2022 Regular air fresheners can be useful in a pinch, but consider using an essential oil diffuser for a more relaxing and long lasting effect. — Hunter Boyce, ajc, 5 May 2022 Our top Mother's Day gifts range from comfy bathrobes, essential oil diffusers, fitness gadgets, and wine to self-care gift boxes and gift baskets, subscription boxes, and flowers. — Malia Griggs, SELF, 12 Apr. 2022 From interactive sandscapes and Wi-Fi-enabled essential oil diffusers to wearable pendants and peaceful virtual reality (VR) experiences, there is something for all tastes and budgets. — Marc Saltzman, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2022 From budget-friendly finds to sleek design picks, here are 25 of the best essential oil diffusers to shop now. — Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Glamour, 11 Mar. 2022 An essential oil diffuser can also help if loaded with pine or evergreen scents, since much of the benefit of forest bathing comes from breathing in the organic compounds trees emit, McEwan said. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 22 Apr. 2022 Turn her bathroom or bedroom into an oasis with an essential oil diffuser that can fill the room with calming, grounding, or energizing fragrances. — Sarah Madaus, SELF, 15 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'essential oil.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

23 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Essential oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential%20oil. Accessed 28 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for essential oil

essential oil

noun

Medical Definition of essential oil

: any of a large class of volatile odoriferous oils of vegetable origin that give plants their characteristic odors and often other properties, that are obtained from various parts of the plants (as flowers, leaves, or bark) by steam distillation, expression, or extraction, that are usually mixtures of compounds (as aldehydes or esters), and that are used often in the form of essences in perfumes, flavorings, and pharmaceutical preparations

— called also ethereal oil, volatile oil

— compare fatty oil, fixed oil