oil slickn.
/ˈɔɪl ˌslɪk/, U.S. /ˈɔɪl ˌslɪk/ Originally U.S.
A layer or film of oil on a surface, esp. of water; spec. one resulting from a spillage or discharge of oil from a ship. Also figurative and in figurative contexts. Cf. slick n.1 3a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > dirtiness > pollution or defilement > environmental pollution > [noun] > oil pollution
oil slick1887
oil pollution1922
oil spill1934
oiling1937
slick1938
oilberg1966
the world > matter > constitution of matter > oiliness or greasiness > [noun] > oiliness > oil > film of on water
sleek1840
slick1849
oil slick1887
oil patch1918
sheen1970
1887 Manufacturer & Builder Dec. 267/1 The oil-slick extended well out on either quarter, and so far astern that not a single sea broke on board after the use of the oil was begun.
1918 Sat. Evening Post 12 Oct. 90 The submarine when running close beneath the surface leaves what is known as an ‘oil slick’. That is, the oil that is discharged in the exhausts floats on the top of the water in tell-tale streaks... ‘Oil Slick’ is American terminology. The British Admiralty did not approve at first.
1950 G. Hackforth-Jones Worst Enemy ii. 171 Meanwhile, no doubt, an ‘oil slick’ would be rising from the crumpled ballast tanks which must have suffered damage.
1973 Guardian 19 May 12/3 200,000-ton tankers..letting loose their oil slicks in some of the most profitable fishing grounds in the world.
1992 Vanity Fair (N.Y.) Mar. 226/3 The car skidded on an oil slick and turned over.
1995 Coloradoan (Fort Collins) 21 May c6/1 They all had reasons to off that conniving human oil slick J.R. Ewing.
2001 W. Ferguson Generica i. 11 The cream in his mocha latte had uncongealed..creating an unpleasant oil slick of unsaturated fat.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2004; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1887