train oil

noun

ˈtrān-

: oil from a marine animal (such as a whale)

Word History

Etymology

obsolete train train oil, from Middle English trane, from Middle Dutch trane or Middle Low German trān; akin to Old High German trahan tear

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of train oil was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Train oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/train%20oil. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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