oils
oils — noun
1. liquid greasy substances that do not mix with water, especially when people are
liquid greasy substances that do not mix with water, especially when people are talking about several natural or manufactured kinds together.
The chemist stored the citrus oils in dark glass bottles.
plural for several kinds of oil
The report compares animal oils, mineral oils, and synthetic oils.
list of oil categories
Heat can spoil delicate oils before the soap maker uses them.
The machine separates floating oils from the waste water after cleaning.
文法句型
different oils
oils from plants, animals, or minerals
用法筆記
Use this sense when several categories are being grouped or compared. Distinguish from sense 6, which is specifically about oils used in cooking, and sense 3, which is about beauty products.
常見錯誤
2. different kinds of crude or fuel oil discussed in refining, shipping, or industr
different kinds of crude or fuel oil discussed in refining, shipping, or industrial trade.
The refinery keeps light oils and heavy oils in separate tanks.
light oils / heavy oils
The lab tested crude oils from Brazil, Norway, and Nigeria.
crude oils from different places
Several marine oils became harder to sell after the sulfur rules changed.
Some heating oils still need extra cleaning before they are burned.
文法句型
light oils and heavy oils
crude oils from different fields
用法筆記
Common in technical and business contexts, not in everyday home talk. Distinguish from sense 1, which is the broad scientific category of oily substances, and from sense 6, which refers to edible kitchen oils.
常見錯誤
3. oily liquids sold for the skin, hair, or bath, especially when different scented
oily liquids sold for the skin, hair, or bath, especially when different scented or treatment products are listed together.
The spa sells body oils in lavender, ginger, and lemon scents.
body oils in different scents
Putri packed two hair oils for the trip to Bali.
hair oils as countable products
The shelf was lined with bath oils and rich face creams.
Natural oils can help dry curls look smoother after washing.
文法句型
body oils and hair oils
oils for skin care
用法筆記
Usually refers to packaged care products, not to raw oil in a bottle. Distinguish from sense 1 if the context is chemistry, and from sense 6 if the context is cooking.
常見錯誤
4. thick oil-based paints used by artists, usually when talking about the whole pai
thick oil-based paints used by artists, usually when talking about the whole painting medium rather than one tube.
Padma learned to mix oils on a wooden palette in art class.
mix oils on a palette
Many students start with acrylics before they try oils.
oils contrasted with acrylics
Working in oils demands patience because each layer dries slowly.
The studio keeps its oils in a metal cabinet by the window.
- oil paints
the everyday term for the same artistic medium.
- oil colours
a more technical art-school or supply-shop term.
- watercolours
a contrasting water-based medium that dries more quickly.
文法句型
paint in oils
mix oils on a palette
用法筆記
This sense names the painting material itself. Distinguish from sense 5, which names completed paintings made with that material.
常見錯誤
5. paintings made with oil paints, especially when several works are shown, sold, o
paintings made with oil paints, especially when several works are shown, sold, or collected together.
The museum borrowed three oils from a private collection in Paris.
three oils = three oil paintings
Rachid's oils hang beside his charcoal sketches in the gallery.
oils beside other artwork
The auction catalogue lists two early oils by the same artist.
Visitors paused in front of the stormy sea oils near the stairs.
- oil paintings
the full everyday phrase; clearer than the bare plural noun.
- canvases
can refer to paintings generally, with focus on the physical support.
文法句型
oils by an artist
a room full of oils
用法筆記
This is specialist gallery language. Outside art contexts, learners are safer saying 'oil paintings'. Distinguish from sense 4, which is the paint used to make the artwork.
常見錯誤
6. liquid fats from plants that people use in cooking, especially when several kind
liquid fats from plants that people use in cooking, especially when several kinds are compared for frying, baking, or salads.
The chef tasted three oils before choosing one for the salad.
compare several cooking oils
Supermarkets now stock oils for frying, baking, and dipping bread.
oils for different kitchen uses
João keeps several oils on the top shelf beside the soy sauce.
Different oils give roasted vegetables different smells and tastes.
- cooking oils
the standard everyday phrase for oils used in the kitchen.
- vegetable oils
a narrower term for plant-based cooking oils, not fish oils.
文法句型
different oils for cooking
oils for salads and frying
用法筆記
The plural is common when comparing types such as olive, sesame, and sunflower. Distinguish from sense 1, which is the broad category of oily substances, and from sense 3, which refers to oils used on the body.
常見錯誤
oils — verb
1. puts oil on a tool, machine, or surface so that it moves smoothly or is protecte
puts oil on a tool, machine, or surface so that it moves smoothly or is protected.
Selim oils the front gate every spring before the rains begin.
oils + machine/object
The cook oils the baking tray before the dough goes in.
oils + cooking surface
The mechanic oils the chain after every long test ride.
Wren oils the old lock so the key will turn easily.
- lubricates
more formal and technical than 'oils'.
- greases
often uses a thicker substance than ordinary oil.
文法句型
oils + object
oils the chain / hinges / pan
用法筆記
The object is usually something that moves or rubs, such as a chain, hinge, lock, or tray. This verb is transitive, so the thing receiving oil comes directly after the verb.