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oiled

oiled

4 3.7
Having a thin, slippery liquid on the surface to protect or make smooth
  • adjective
  • /ɔɪld/
translation icon : aceitado
  • Her hair looked clean and oiled, but no longer truly white as it did outside against the trees and sky.
  • oiled hair
  • oiled birds
  • oiled door

Examples

  • The finish was smooth, and the wood was oiled and fresh, not dusty.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • All around him was dark, oiled wood.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Phil picked the shotgun up by the stock, being careful not to get fingerprints on the oiled barrel.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • The joy in her voice surprised him so thoroughly that he put down his oiled basket and stared at her face.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • The hinges were oiled and they didn't creak.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • A splendid weapon it may be, long, sharp, oiled, and coruscating with the light of wisdom as it is brandished.

    Blog text (21)
  • Oiled, cleaned, and wrapped in a piece of chamois, it was something I wasn't supposed to know about.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Natural embellishments of dried okra pods, oiled magnolia leaves, and fanned cedar boughs festooned the interior rooms.

    Blog text (12)
  • Place the dough in a large, oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides.

  • Be sure your grill is hot and well-oiled, or the cheese will stick.

Synonyms

greasy
vsoiled
123 1.0

Covered in oil or fat and feels slippery

describes intentional surface treatment for protection or shine rather than messiness
oily
vsoiled
38 1.0

Covered in oil or grease and feeling slippery

is applied specifically to protect, lubricate, or improve surface appearance
well-lubricated
vsoiled
1 3.9

Oiled so machines and moving parts work smoothly

emphasizes surface protection and cosmetic effect instead of machinery servicing
coated
vsoiled
1 3.4

Covered by a thin layer of another substance for protection or decoration

uses a slippery finish mainly for protection, lubrication, or shine
enameled
vsoiled
  • US
1 4.2

Having a smooth, hard, shiny surface for protection or decoration

prefers softer, liquid treatment to lubricate, protect, or slightly shine surfaces
greased
vsoiled
2.9

Covered with oil or a slippery substance to move more easily

is applied mainly to protect, improve appearance, or provide light lubrication
lubricated
vsoiled
  • Specialized
3.9

Covered with oil or grease so parts move more easily

focuses on protecting surfaces and enhancing appearance more than machine use
varnished
vsoiled
4.7

Having a shiny clear layer that protects things like wood or furniture

uses a slippery treatment focused on lubrication and surface protection rather than hard finish
waxed
vsoiled
3.2

Covered with a thin shiny layer to make a smooth surface

uses a liquid finish aimed at protection, lubrication, or cosmetic shine
glazed
vsoiled
3.5

Having a smooth shiny surface, often on pottery or tiles

is about applying a slippery layer to protect, lubricate, or improve appearance

Antonyms

dry
791 1.0

Not wet or without any liquid

1 6.7

Not covered with oil

uncoated
  • Specialized
1 4.2

Without a thin layer of another material on it

Compounds

A group or system in which all parts work together smoothly

A plan that runs smoothly and on time because it is well organized

How Oily

greased
2.9
oiled
4 3.7
slick
8 5.8
dry
791 1.0

Surface Forms

oiled positive

Morphology

oiled = oil (transparent) = oil + ed

Regular adjectival/past-participle formation from the verb 'oil' with the productive suffix '-ed'; meaning is directly predictable.

Etymology

Oiled comes from oil, which originally came from an old word meaning 'olive' because people first used olive oil. To oil something is to put oil on it to protect it, make it smooth, or give it shine, so oiled now means 'treated with oil'.