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oil

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noun British English pronunciation: oil /ɔɪl/ 
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singularoil
pluraloils
 
  1. 1
    [uncountable] a thick dark smooth liquid from under the ground, used for making petrol and other fuels

    The Middle Eastern countries produce most of the world’s oil.

    We need to do more to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

    Heat can be provided by oil, gas, or electricity.

    North Sea oil

    crude oil (=oil in its natural state):

    A large tanker can carry several million tons of crude oil.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  oilThesaurus entry for this meaning of oil
    1. a.
      [only before noun] relating to this liquid

      Oil prices will probably rise again next year.

      an oil company

      China has large coal and oil reserves.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  oilThesaurus entry for this meaning of oil
  2. 2
    [countable/uncountable] a thick smooth liquid used in an engine, so it will work smoothly

    Change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  oilThesaurus entry for this meaning of oil
  3. 3
    [countable/uncountable] a thick smooth liquid used in cooking and preparing food, and in medicines

    Cook the chicken in some oil.

    vegetable/olive/sunflower oil

    peanut/sesame/walnut oil

    cod liver oil

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  oilThesaurus entry for this meaning of oil
  5. 5
    [countable/uncountable] [usually plural] a type of paint that contains oil
    in oils:

    I prefer to work in oils.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  oilThesaurus entry for this meaning of oil
    1. a.
      [countable] a painting made with paint that contains oil

      We saw an exhibition of oils and watercolours by local artists.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  oilThesaurus entry for this meaning of oil

This is the British English definition of oil. View American English definition of oil.

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