Definition

1. Noun:
   • A liquid ester derived from amyl alcohol; has the odor of bananas: "Banana oil" is a chemical compound, specifically amyl acetate, used industrially as a solvent and noted for its distinctive fruity scent reminiscent of bananas.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The laboratory had a strong smell of banana oil from the experiment.
  • Banana oil is commonly used as a solvent in nail polish remover and lacquers.

Advanced Usage

• As a metaphor for nonsense or insincere talk: In informal, dated slang, "banana oil" can be used to describe foolish, exaggerated, or insincere talk.
  • Don't give me that banana oil; just tell me the truth.

Variants and Related Words

• Amyl acetate: The systematic chemical name for banana oil.
• Pear oil: An alternative name for the same or similar ester compounds, referencing a different fruit scent.

Synonyms

• Flattery (when used in the slang sense): Excessive and insincere praise.
• Baloney (when used in the slang sense): Foolish or deceptive talk; nonsense.

Idioms and Phrases

• Full of banana oil: Describing speech that is nonsensical or excessively flattering.
  • His sales pitch was full of banana oil and empty promises.

Noun

1. a liquid ester derived from amyl alcohol; has the odor of bananas