huile d'onagre
The English phrase "evening primrose oil" is translated into French as huile d'onagre.
This term refers specifically to the oil extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant.
Meaning: oil from the seeds of the evening primrose (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of huile (oil) and onagre (evening primrose), joined by the preposition d’ (of).
Did you know?
- In French, the word onagre is used for the evening primrose, but it also refers to a prehistoric siege engine that launched stones.
- The word onagre refers to the evening primrose, but it is also the French word for the wild ass of Asia. This can lead to humorous mental imagery of a donkey when discussing botanical oils.
- The 'h' in huile was a typographic trick used in Middle French to show that the 'u' was a vowel, since 'u' and 'v' looked the same in print.
Examples in context
- As-tu déjà entendu parler des bienfaits de l' huile d'onagre ? Elle est excellente pour la peau et aide à réguler les hormones.Have you ever heard about the benefits of evening primrose oil? It's excellent for the skin and helps regulate hormones.
- Je prends de l'huile d'onagre en complément alimentaire.I take evening primrose oil as a dietary supplement.
- Je prends de l'huile d'onagre tous les matins.I take evening primrose oil every morning.
- L'huile d'onagre est bonne pour la peau.Evening primrose oil is good for the skin.
- Tu as acheté de l'huile d'onagre en pharmacie ?Did you buy evening primrose oil at the pharmacy?
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are at a pharmacy.
- EmmaBonjour, je cherche de l'huile d'onagre.Hello, I am looking for evening primrose oil.
- LucasOui, c'est juste ici dans le rayon santé.Yes, it is right here in the health aisle.
- EmmaMerci Lucas, je vais prendre ce flacon.Thank you Lucas, I will take this bottle.
- LucasJe vous en prie, Emma.You are welcome, Emma.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries huile, CC BY-SA 4.0.
