Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Aceite esencial
Essential oil (eh-SENT-shul OYL)
The scented liquid taken from certain plants using steam or pressure. Essential oils contain the natural chemicals that give the plant its “essence” (specific odor and flavor). Essential oils are used in perfumes, food flavorings, medicine, and aromatherapy.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.