linseed oil

noun

: a yellowish drying oil obtained from flaxseed and used especially in paint, varnish, printing ink, and linoleum

Examples of linseed 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.
Cutting boards treated with linseed oil or mineral oil did not absorb the bacteria as well as untreated boards, at least for 24 hours, leaving more bacteria on the surface. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025 Linoleum flooring is made with natural materials like cork, limestone, and linseed oil. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025 Reigning in the room are smells of plaster, damp glue, cold tobacco, and linseed oil. Jean-Philippe Toussaint, Harper's Magazine, 22 July 2024 While products like linseed oil or turpentine could help achieve this, Berrie suggests that mineral oil, or naphtha, was a game-changer thanks to its effectiveness in thinning paint and quickness to evaporate. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 11 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for linseed oil

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of linseed oil was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Linseed oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linseed%20oil. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

linseed oil

noun
: a yellowish oil obtained from flaxseed and used especially in paint, varnish, printing ink, and linoleum

Medical Definition

linseed oil

noun
: a yellowish drying oil obtained from flaxseed and used in liniments, pastes, and green soap and in veterinary medicine as a laxative

More from Merriam-Webster on linseed oil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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