Turpentine

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈtɜː.pÉ™n.ËŒtaɪn/

Origin

From Middle English turbentine (""), ultimately from Ancient Greek τερέβινθος (terébinthos, "terebinth tree").

Noun

1. a volatile essential oil obtained from the wood of pine trees by steam distillation; it is a complex mixture of monoterpenes; it is used as a solvent and paint thinner

Synonyms

• turps

Related terms

• terebic

Full definition of turpentine

Verb

1. (transitive) To drain resin from (a tree) for use in making turpentine.