What does turpentine mean?
Turpentine is a resin-derived substance best known as a pungent, flammable solvent used to thin paints and varnishes, clean brushes, and dissolve grease or other difficult materials. The modern sense usually refers to the volatile oil distilled from the sap of coniferous trees, especially pines; in older usage, the word can also denote the resin itself. It has long been associated with painters, furniture makers, and other craftspeople because it helps oily materials mix more readily and can remove stubborn residues. Although turpentine is still useful in specialist workshops and industrial settings, it is often replaced by less aromatic alternatives such as mineral spirits. Its distinctive smell, evaporating vapours, and historical role in medicine and manufacturing make it a familiar word with a strong practical and cultural association. In modern English, it is normally treated as a mass noun rather than counted in ordinary speech.
A volatile oil distilled from coniferous resin, used as a solvent and paint thinner; in older or broader use, the resin or sap from which it is obtained.
"The varnish was mixed with turpentine before it was applied to the table."
Usually uncountable. The plural turpentines is occasionally used for separate quantities or containers.
To treat, clean, or purge something with turpentine.
"The technician turpentined the old pipe before beginning the repair."
This verb is uncommon and mainly occurs in specialist, historical, or technical contexts.
Turpentine is normally an uncountable mass noun; the count plural turpentines is used mainly for separate portions or containers.
"The supplier's catalogue listed turpentines in several sizes."
Turpentine is the pungent oil distilled from conifer resin: once a prized painter’s solvent, it remains both useful and unmistakably fiery.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does turpentine come from?
The word entered English through Old French forms meaning “the resin of the terebinth,” ultimately deriving from Latin terebentina, a name for terebinth resin. The terebinth tree and the substance derived from it were ancient sources of fragrant resin and oil. English later broadened the sense to include the volatile oil distilled from conifer resin, especially pine, producing the familiar modern meaning. Related words include terebinth, terebinthine, and terebene, all belonging to the same etymological family.
Related word forms
How turpentine is actually used
Turpentine is common in painting, woodworking, and industrial contexts. It has a strong, characteristic smell and must be handled with care because its vapours are flammable and can be harmful when inhaled.
Easily confused with turpentine
A turbine is a machine that produces power from moving water, steam, or air, whereas turpentine is a resin-derived solvent and oil.