oil

Syllabification: (oil)

Pronunciation: /oil/

Definition of oil

1a viscous liquid derived from petroleum, especially for use as a fuel or lubricant.
petroleum.
[with modifier] any of various thick, viscous, typically flammable liquids that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents and are obtained from animals or plants:potatoes fried in vegetable oil
a liquid preparation used on the hair or skin as a cosmetic:suntan oil
Chemistry any of a group of natural esters of glycerol and various fatty acids that are liquid at room temperature. Compare with fat.

[with object] (often as adjective oiled)

Phrases

oil and water: used to refer to two elements, factors, or people that do not agree or blend together.

Middle English: from Old Northern French olie, Old French oile, from Latin oleum '(olive) oil'; compare with olea 'olive'

Definition of oil in the British & World English dictionary