Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of oil derived from plants: "vegetable oil" refers to any oil that is extracted from the seeds, fruits, or other parts of plants. It is primarily used in cooking and food preparation.
   • A liquid fat: It is a fat that remains liquid at room temperature, obtained from vegetable sources rather than animals.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Canola oil and sunflower oil are common types of vegetable oil.
  • The recipe calls for one cup of vegetable oil for frying.
  • Many health-conscious consumers prefer vegetable oil over butter.

Advanced Usage

• As a mass/uncountable noun: Typically used without a plural form when referring to the substance in general.
  • Vegetable oil is a key ingredient in many salad dressings.
• Referring to a specific type or brand: Can be used with determiners when specifying.
  • This particular vegetable oil has a high smoke point.

Variants and Related Words

• Cooking oil: A general term for any oil used in cooking, which often includes vegetable oils.
• Seed oil: A type of vegetable oil specifically pressed from seeds (e.g., sesame oil, rapeseed oil).
• Plant-based oil: A synonym emphasizing the non-animal origin.

Synonyms

• Plant oil
• Edible oil (when context clarifies it is from plants)

Related Phrases

• To cook with vegetable oil: The typical verb collocation for its use.
  • It's healthier to cook with vegetable oil than with lard.
• A bottle of vegetable oil: A common measure/container.
  • She bought a large bottle of vegetable oil from the store.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "vegetable oil" is often used generically for any plant-derived cooking oil. In a commercial context, it can sometimes refer to a blend of different plant oils.
• It is distinct from animal fats (like butter or lard) and mineral oils.

Noun

1. any of a group of liquid edible fats that are obtained from plants