A volatile liquid distilled from pine resin, used as a solvent for paints and varnishes and in medicine. Also refers to the crude resin itself obtained from various coniferous trees.
From Old French 'terebentine', via Latin 'terebinthina' from Greek 'terebinthos' (turpentine tree). Originally referred specifically to resin from the terebinth tree, but the term expanded to include similar resins from pine trees as they became more commercially important.
For centuries, turpentine was one of the most valuable forest products - entire industries and settlements were built around 'turpentining' pine trees! The distinctive smell that many associate with oil painting actually comes from turpentine used to thin the paints, connecting us to hundreds of years of artistic tradition.
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