turpentine

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun obtained from conifers (especially pines)
  2. noun volatile liquid distilled from turpentine oleoresin; used as paint thinner and solvent and medicinally

Etymology

From Middle English terebentyne, terbentyne, turbentine, from Old French terbentine, turbentine, Latin terebinthīna, from terebintha, from Ancient Greek τερεβινθίνη (terebinthínē), from τερεβινθινος (terebinthinos), from τερέβινθος (terébinthos). Related to terpene and terpin; etymologically equivalent to terebinth + -ine.

In classic literature

Synonyms

gum terpentine

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