oleaginous

views updated May 18 2018

o·le·ag·i·nous / ˌōlēˈajənəs/ • adj. rich in, covered with, or producing oil; oily or greasy. ∎ fig. exaggeratedly and distastefully complimentary; obsequious: candidates made the usual oleaginous speeches in the debate.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

oleaginous

views updated Jun 11 2018

oleaginous Producing or containing oil or lipids. Oleaginous microorganisms, which normally contain 20–25% oil, are of interest in biotechnology as alternative sources of conventional oils or as possible sources for novel oils. The majority of the oils produced by oleaginous eukaryotic microorganisms are similar to plant oils.

A Dictionary of Biology

oleaginous

views updated May 18 2018

oleaginous XVI. — F. oléagineux, f. L. oleāginus, f. oleum OIL; see -OUS.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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