oleum
[ˈɔ.ɫe.ũː]neuter
The Latin word for oil is oleum.
Oleum is a noun used to refer to liquid fat.
Meaning: liquid fat (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Oleum is a neuter noun. The genitive singular form, meaning 'of oil', is olei. The dative singular form, meaning 'to/for oil', is oleo. To refer to multiple types or quantities of oils, use the plural form olea.
Did you know?
- In Ancient Rome, oleum was used not only for cooking but as a primary soap substitute for cleaning the skin before being scraped off with a tool called a strigil.
- While oleum refers to the liquid, the word 'oleum' in modern scientific Latin specifically refers to highly concentrated sulfuric acid, a complete departure from the original meaning.
- The Latin word oleum was borrowed from the Ancient Greek word élaion.
Examples in context
- Aqua gravior quam oleum est.Water is heavier than oil.This sentence is useful for comparing the weight of water and oleum.Tatoeba #5049288 by alexmarcelo, translation #270836 by CK
- Oleum et aqua non miscentur.Oil and water don't mix.This sentence is useful for describing how oleum and water do not mix.Tatoeba #7926106 by CarpeLanam, translation #387576 by Mouseneb
- Et aqua et oleum liquida sunt.Water and oil are both liquids.This sentence is useful for stating that both water and oleum are liquids.Tatoeba #5037425 by alexmarcelo, translation #270761 by CK
- Cogito oleum Romanum esse magnificum.I believe Roman oil to be magnificent.
- Elephantus oleo perfusus est.The elephant was covered in oil.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Lucius are preparing a meal in the kitchen.
- LuciaUbi est oleum?Where is the oil?
- LuciusOleum in mensa est, Lucia.The oil is on the table, Lucia.
- LuciaGratias, Luci. Oleum nunc habeo.Thanks, Lucius. I have the oil now.
- LuciusBene, mox cenabimus.Good, we will dine soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oil” translations and entries oleum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oleum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
