Where does “turpentine” come from?
Turpentine comes from Middle English turbentine, from Old French terbentine, from Ancient Greek τερέβινθος, ultimately from Ancient Greek τέρμινθος, terms for the terebinth tree and its resin.
turpentine (English): A volatile essential oil obtained from the wood...
Definitions
- A volatile essential oil obtained from the wood...
Ancestry of “turpentine”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle English | turbentine | Alternative form of terebentyne |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | τερέβινθος | terebinth tree |
| 3 | Ancient Greek | τέρμινθος | terebinth; swelling like the fruit of the... |