drying oil

noun

: an oil (such as linseed oil) that changes readily to a hard tough elastic substance when exposed in a thin film to air

Examples of drying oil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Suspension Bridge was originally painted Spanish Brown − a mixture of ochre and various drying oils − but was repainted blue, black and white during its reconstruction in the 1890s. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 4 June 2023 This dry oil spray works to fight off hair damage while smoothing, strengthening, and softening it. NBC News, 10 Dec. 2019 For a cooling sensation that reduces puffiness, put your dry oil in the fridge for a few hours (but not so long that the oils harden, says Mattioli). Kari Molvar, Vogue, 3 July 2019 Here, the best dry oils that disappear into skin, leaving nothing behind but a summer glow. Kari Molvar, Vogue, 3 July 2019 Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse is a multiple function dry oil for body, face, and hair. Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 14 Mar. 2019 Look out for quick-drying oils like grapeseed, apricot kernel, argan, and marula, which are ideal for most skin types. Ashley Weatherford, The Cut, 12 July 2018 So instead of reaching for facial creams made with nut butters or heavy oils, opt for water gel moisturizers or dry oils like camellia or rosehip. NBC News, 20 Apr. 2018 Stock up on heavenly orange blossom dry oil mist ($52) and bath oil ($48). Alison S. Cohn, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drying oil was in 1695

Dictionary Entries Near drying oil

Cite this Entry

“Drying oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drying%20oil. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on drying oil

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!