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oil

Definition

  • noun: a thick, black liquid that comes from the ground and that is used in making various products (such as gasoline)
  • noun: any of numerous unctuous combustible substances that are liquid or can be liquefied easily on warming, are soluble in ether but not in water, and leave a greasy stain on paper or cloth
  • verb: to put oil in or on (something)
  • verb: to smear, rub over, furnish, or lubricate with oil
  • often used before another noun
  • synonyms: barbados tar

Examples

  • I asked the mechanic to check the 'oil'. [=to make sure that there was enough oil to make the car engine run smoothly]

  • The dressing is made with 'oil', vinegar, and a pinch of herbs.

  • He works mostly 'in oils'. [=he mostly uses oil paints]

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) between you and Schumacher? Not anymore. - How do you do, Mr. Beale? - l must make my witness. Sure thing, Mr. Beale. Oil ministers of the OPEC nations meeting in Vienna... still haven't decided how much to increase the price of oil. Yeah? He came in the building five minutes ago. (..)
    1976 Network
  • (..) investigative reporter shows. A crusty but benign managing editor who's always getting-- You know, Barbara... the Arabs have decided to jack up the price of oil another percent. The ClA has been caught opening Senator Humphrey's mail. There's a civil war in Angola. Another one in Beirut. (..)
    1976 Network