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aceite

oil

noun ah-SAY-teh Less Common
Food & Drink Ingredients

Origin: From Arabic az-zayt (the oil), itself from Aramaic zayta (olive).

Usage Note

Aceite most commonly refers to olive oil in Spain, where aceite de oliva is the cultural default. For motor oil or other lubricants, aceite de motor clarifies. The Arabic origin is visible in the a- prefix, a hallmark of many Spanish words borrowed during the Moorish period.

Examples

"Aliña la ensalada con aceite y sal."

Natural Translation

She dresses the salad with oil and salt.

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