turps

/tə:ps/

Thân thiện

A painter pours turps into a small metal can to clean his brushes.

Definition

Noun (uncountable, informal, chiefly British, Australian, New Zealand): 1. A solvent and paint thinner: A common, informal term for the volatile, pungent liquid distilled from pine resin (turpentine), used primarily to thin oil-based paints and clean paintbrushes. 2. A medicinal substance: Historically used as a topical liniment or internal remedy, though this usage is now rare and not recommended.

Usage and Examples

• As a paint solvent/thinner:
  • "I need some turps to clean my brushes after using oil paint."
  • "Thin the enamel with a little turps before you apply it."
• Informal reference:
  • "The strong smell of turps filled the art studio."

Advanced Usage Notes

• Regional Usage: The term "turps" is predominantly used in British, Australian, and New Zealand English. In American English, "turpentine" or the abbreviation "mineral spirits" (for a similar petroleum-based product) is more common.
• Style: It is an informal, clipped form of "turpentine." Using the full word "turpentine" is more appropriate in formal or technical writing.

Variants and Related Words

• Turpentine (n.): The full, formal name for the substance.
• Gum turpentine (n.): Specifically refers to turpentine distilled from the oleoresin of living pine trees.
• Wood turpentine (n.): Turpentine distilled from pine wood or stumps.
• Mineral turps (n., informal): A common term, especially in Australia, for white spirit or mineral spirits, a petroleum-derived substitute for genuine turpentine.

Synonyms

• Turpentine (formal synonym)
• Spirit of turpentine (archaic/technical)
• Paint thinner (general category)
• Solvent (general category)

Important Cautions

• Flammability: Turps is highly flammable. Keep away from open flames and heat sources.
• Toxicity: Fumes are harmful if inhaled in concentrated amounts. Use in a well-ventilated area.
• Ingestion: It is poisonous if swallowed. The historical medicinal use is obsolete and dangerous.

Học thuật

Noun

1. volatile liquid distilled from turpentine oleoresin; used as paint thinner and solvent and medicinally

Từ đồng nghĩa

• turpentine
• oil of turpentine
• spirit of turpentine