Turpentined Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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turpentined

[หˆtษ™rpษ™nหŒtฤซnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Turpentined refers to the act of applying or using turpentine, a fluid obtained from the distillation of resin obtained from pine trees. It is often used as a solvent or paint thinner. The past tense indicates that this action has already occurred.

Synonyms

cleaner, solvent, thinner.

Examples of usage

  • She turpentined the brushes after painting.
  • He turpentined the surface before applying the varnish.
  • They turpentined the old wood to restore its finish.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Art and Culture

  • Artists often use turpentine to clean brushes and thin oil paint, allowing for more fluid strokes and effects.
  • Many famous painters, including Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet, utilized turpentine in their creative processes.

Science

  • Turpentine is a solvent and can be harmful in high doses; exposure may lead to respiratory issues or skin irritation.
  • The chemical composition of turpentine includes natural terpenes, which have various applications in industries beyond painting, such as perfumery and cleaning products.

Historical Use

  • During the 19th century, turpentine was widely used in households for cleaning and as a remedy for various ailments.
  • Turpentine was an important commodity during the American Civil War, where it was utilized for both medicinal purposes and as a solvent.

Modern Applications

  • In contemporary times, turpentine's usage has declined in favor of less toxic solvents, but it is still valued in traditional applications.
  • Today, many artisans and woodworkers utilize turpentine in the finishing and treatment of wood to enhance appearance and durability.

Origin of 'turpentined'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'turpentine' comes from the Latin 'turpentina', which means 'resin', related to trees that produce it.
  • Historically, the use of turpentine dates back to ancient Greece, where it was referenced as a substance derived from pine trees.

The word 'turpentine' comes from the Latin 'terebinthina,' which itself derives from 'terebinthus,' meaning 'the turpentine tree', referring to various types of pine trees. Historically, turpentine has been used since ancient times, particularly by the Greeks and Romans, who valued it for its medicinal properties and uses in painting and varnishing. The transformation of the word into its current usage as a verbโ€”'turpentined'โ€”indicates a more specialized usage over the years as the applications of turpentine became more common in art and industry. Turpentine has strong ties to maritime culture, where it was used in the treatment of wood to prevent rot and in the production of resins and oils for shipbuilding. Over centuries, the term has evolved but continues to reflect its roots in natural resin extraction from coniferous trees.