Oil is a generic term for fluids that are not miscible with
water. The name comes from
Latin oleum for
olive oil.
In the United States, petroleum is referred to predominantly as oil. For example, an "oil shortage" would mean an inadequate supply of petroleum rather than cooking or mineral oil. Oil is used frequently in politics and the media when referring to dependence on "foreign oil", or oil that is imported from other countries.
Types of Oil
See also
- Oil-for-Food
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