turps

/tə:ps/

Friendly

The word "turps" is a noun and is often used informally. Let’s break down its meaning and usage:

Basic Meaning:

Turps is short for turpentine, which is a volatile liquid (meaning it can easily evaporate) that comes from the sap of certain trees, especially pine trees. It is commonly used as a paint thinner and a solvent, which means it helps to dissolve other substances. Turps can also have some medicinal uses.

Usage Instructions:

• When to use "turps": You can use "turps" when talking about painting, cleaning, or even in some medical contexts.
• Sentence Structure: You can use it as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.

Example Sentence:

• "I need to buy some turps to thin my paint for the art project."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, you might find "turps" being discussed in relation to art conservation, where it is used to clean brushes and tools after painting.

Word Variants:

• Turpentine: The full form of "turps."
• Turpentines: The plural form, referring to different types or kinds of turpentine.

Different Meanings:

While "turps" primarily refers to the solvent, in some contexts, particularly in British slang, "on the turps" means drinking alcohol, usually in a social setting.

Synonyms:

• Solvent
• Paint thinner
• Thinner

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "On the turps": This idiom means to be drinking alcohol, especially to excess.
  • Example: "We had a great time last night; we were all on the turps!"

Summary:

In summary, "turps" is an informal term for turpentine, used mainly in art and some medical contexts. It refers to a liquid used to thin paint or clean brushes, and it can also mean drinking alcohol in casual conversation.

Academic

Noun

1. volatile liquid distilled from turpentine oleoresin; used as paint thinner and solvent and medicinally

Synonyms

• turpentine
• oil of turpentine
• spirit of turpentine