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oil of wintergreen
noun phrase
: the methyl ester of salicylic acid that is used as a flavoring and as a counterirritant
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1850, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of oil of wintergreen was
circa 1850
Dictionary Entries Near oil of wintergreen
Cite this Entry
“Oil of wintergreen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oil%20of%20wintergreen. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
oil of wintergreen
: a chemical compound made from salicylic acid and used in liniments and as a flavoring
Medical Definition
oil of wintergreen
noun
: a preparation of methyl salicylate obtained by distilling the leaves of wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
called also gaultheria oil, wintergreen oil
compare birch oilMore from Merriam-Webster on oil of wintergreen
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oil of wintergreen
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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