Turpentine: meaning, definitions and examples
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turpentine
[ ˈtərpənˌtīn ]
chemical substance
Turpentine is a fluid obtained from the distillation of resin from pine trees. It is commonly used as a solvent in paint thinners and as a raw material for the production of various chemical products. Turpentine has a strong smell and can be toxic if inhaled in large quantities.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I used turpentine to clean the paintbrushes.
- The artist preferred turpentine over other solvents.
- Be careful when using turpentine, as it can irritate the skin.
Word origin
The word 'turpentine' originates from the Middle English 'terpentine', which comes from the Old French 'terpentin' and the Latin 'turpentinum'. This Latin term is derived from the Greek 'terebinthēs', which refers to the terebinth tree - a source of the resin. The chemical properties and applications of turpentine in art and industry have been utilized for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations where it was employed for medicinal purposes and as a preservative. The importance of turpentine grew during the Renaissance with the rise of oil painting, leading to its establishment as an essential component in creating and manipulating paints.