essential oil

noun

: 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

A lot of the gifts on this list are edible, like fiery chili crisps, chocolates infused with essential oils, and a fancy pasta meal kit. —Carly Monardo, Bon Appétit, 2 Oct. 2024

Each of these steamers is infused with essential oils and calming scents, perfect for indulging in a self-care ritual. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024

This cream is made with essential oils and the fragrance might not be for everyone. —L.a. Hubilla, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024

Common essential oils for sleep include:56 Bergamot Cedarwood Lavender Studies show inhaling lavender essential oil regularly can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety around sleep.78 3. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

essential oil

noun

: 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