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

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 oil