lamp oil
2
2.4
- noun
- /læmp ɔɪl/
:
aceite de lámpara
- If you plan on using oil lamps, it would be wise to stock up on 1-gallon containers of lamp oil and stash them here and there for a "rainy day."
Examples
-
Mason jars can be used with lamp oil, olive oil, and even kerosene.
Blog text (22) -
It appears Miss McGregor won't be delivering any more lamp oil.
-
If your light is weak and your lamp oil is not full, you cannot see the traps set out for you to fall into.
Blog text (30) -
The war had made fuel and lamp oil scarce.
-
"There was lamp oil spilled along the path to the cottage and on the ground around it.
Fiction book (2002) -
Gentlemen, this is lamp oil... and that is vinegar for purification.
-
The shop seemed to sell a little of everything: foodstuffs, leather, small gardening implements, animal traps, lamp oil.
Fiction book (1992) -
We could use lamp oil or olive oil lamps instead of buying more overpriced Chinese bulbs that are poisonous.
Blog text (25) -
"I'd like to see Mr. O'Hara, if you please," she said to the tall, aproned man who was measuring out some lamp oil into a customer's glass jug.
Fiction book (1991) -
The camping supply store sells lamp oil for use in outdoor lanterns.
Synonyms
41
3.8
A clear oil used as a fuel for lamps, heaters, and some engines
2
7.8
A pale yellow to brown oil from whale fat that people use to light lamps
1
7.6
An oil made from coal that burns easily in lamps and heaters
A thin clear liquid used as fuel for lighting and heating, for example in lamps
An oil made from whale fat used long ago for lamps and soap
An oil from rapeseed used for cooking, as a lubricant, or to fuel lamps
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'oil used as fuel in lamps' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'lamp' (a source of light) with 'oil' (a combustible liquid). This noun-noun compound follows a common, cross-linguistic compositional pattern where the modifier specifies the intended use or source, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
Lamp oil comes from the simple image of putting oil into a lamp so it can burn and give light. That's why it means 'an oil used as fuel for lamps and heaters'.