OLEUM VOLATILE Meaning and
Definition
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Oleum volatile refers to a term commonly used in chemistry to describe a volatile oil or essential oil. It is derived from the Latin term "oleum," meaning oil, and "volatile," indicating its capability to vaporize or evaporate readily at normal temperatures.
Oleum volatile specifically refers to a class of medicinal oils or aromatic substances obtained from plants, such as herbs, flowers, fruits, or seeds, through processes like steam distillation or cold pressing. These oils are rich in volatile organic compounds, which give them their characteristic scent and flavor.
The properties of oleum volatile enable it to be easily vaporized and dispersed, allowing it to be used in various applications. It is commonly employed in aromatherapy, where specific essential oils are utilized for their therapeutic benefits. For instance, lavender oil is often used for relaxation and stress relief, while tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
Oleum volatile is also used extensively in the fragrance and cosmetic industry. As it can have distinct scents, such as floral, citrus, or woody, these oils are used as ingredients to enhance perfumes, lotions, creams, and other personal care products.
Moreover, oleum volatile can have other applications, including food flavoring, household cleaning products, and even in some traditional and alternative forms of medicine. However, it is important to note that essential oils should be used with caution, as they are highly concentrated and can cause adverse effects if not properly diluted or used in excess.
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Pl. o'lea volatil'ia, volatile, essential, or ethereal oil, a substance of oily consistence and feel, derived from a plant, containing the principles to which the odor and taste of the plant are due; it is capable of distillation; many volatile oils, identical with or closely resembling the natural oils, can be made synthetically; many of the volatile oils are employed in medicine as stimulants, stomachics, correctives, carminatives, and for purposes of flavoring.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OLEUM VOLATILE
Etymology of OLEUM VOLATILE
The term "oleum volatile" is derived from Latin.
The word "oleum" means "oil" in Latin, referring to a fatty or oily substance.
"Volatile" also comes from Latin, derived from the word "volatilis", meaning "flying" or "evaporating". In this context, it signifies something that is easily vaporized or evaporated.
When combined, "oleum volatile" can be translated to mean "volatile oil", which generally refers to the essential oils derived from plants.
