turpentine

noun

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tur·pen·tine | \ ˈtər-pən-ˌtīn

, ˈtər-pᵊm- \

Definition of turpentine

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a yellow to brown semifluid oleoresin obtained as an exudate from the terebinth

b : an oleoresin obtained from various conifers (as some pines and firs)

2a : an essential oil obtained from turpentines by distillation and used especially as a solvent and thinner

— called also gum turpentine

b : a similar oil obtained by distillation or carbonization of pinewood

— called also wood turpentine

turpentine

verb

turpentined; turpentining

Definition of turpentine (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to apply turpentine to

2 : to extract turpentine from especially : to tap (pine trees) in order to obtain turpentine

Examples of turpentine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Most needle bearing trees produce a sticky sap that is loaded with turpentine. — Tim Macwelch, Popular Science, "Eight ways an evergreen tree could save your life," 26 Dec. 2019 Most needle bearing trees produce a sticky sap that is loaded with turpentine. — Tim Macwelch, Popular Science, "Eight ways an evergreen tree could save your life," 26 Dec. 2019 Most needle bearing trees produce a sticky sap that is loaded with turpentine. — Tim Macwelch, Outdoor Life, "8 Ways to Use Evergreen Trees in a Survival Situation," 23 Dec. 2019 Chief Byrd said that some of the men who stayed became trapped working in the local turpentine industry, one of the harshest working environments at that time, according to historical accounts. — Christopher Harress | Charress@al.com, al, "Beyond the Poarch Creek Indians, there’s a lot more to Alabama’s Native American history," 28 Nov. 2019 Nothing beats good ol’ fashioned turpentine for cleaning pine-tree sap off your Christmas tree tools. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh Longer," 21 Oct. 2019 The sidewalks were literally covered with burning turpentine balls. — Sara Sidner, CNN, "The Tulsa race massacre in the 'Watchmen' premiere was real. Here's what happened in the horrific event," 21 Oct. 2019 There was the rum that tasted alarmingly of turpentine, the liqueur that seemed to give me a splitting headache. — M. Carrie Allan, Washington Post, "‘Bottled in bond’ was created to protect drinkers in the 1800s. Now the label has a new appeal.," 29 July 2019 Investigators believe discarded rags soaked in turpentine may have spontaneously combusted Thursday, causing a house fire in Waconia. — Deanna Weniger, Twin Cities, "Police say discarded rags soaked in turpentine likely caused house fire in Waconia; family dog still missing," 5 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'turpentine.' 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

26 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Turpentine.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turpentine. Accessed 29 January 2020.

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More Definitions for turpentine

turpentine

noun