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turpentine

Pronunciation: /ˈtəːp(ə)ntʌɪn/

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Definition of turpentine

noun

1 (also oil of turpentine) [mass noun] a volatile pungent oil distilled from gum turpentine or pine wood, used in mixing paints and varnishes and in liniment.
(also crude turpentine or gum turpentine) an oleoresin secreted by certain trees, especially pines, and distilled to make rosin and oil of turpentine.

2 (also turpentine tree) any of a number of trees which yield turpentine or a similar resin, in particular:
- a coniferous tree of the pine family (Larix, Pinus, and other genera, family Pinaceae). the terebinth.

verb

[with object]

apply turpentine to: antique turpentining equipment

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French ter(e)bentine, from Latin ter(e)binthina (resina) '(resin) of the turpentine tree', from terebinthus (see terebinth)

turpentine in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of turpentine in the US English dictionary

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