Lhuile

Lhuile is the French term for oil and is used to describe a broad range of viscous liquids derived from plants, animals, or minerals that are used for nutrition, lubrication, or energy. In everyday French, l'huile may refer to edible oils such as olive or sunflower oil, essential oils used for fragrance and flavor, or mineral oils used in industry and machinery.

In French, the form l'huile results from elision before a vowel; the noun huile itself is feminine, with huiles in the plural. The term is often qualified by source, for example huile végétale (vegetable oil) or huile essentielle (essential oil).

Major categories include edible oils (olive, canola, palm, and sunflower), essential oils (aromatics such as lavender), and industrial or mineral oils derived from petroleum for lubrication, cooling, insulation, or hydraulic fluids. Oils can also be used as fuels or feedstocks in biodiesel.

Extraction and refining vary by source. Plant oils are produced by pressing or solvent extraction and commonly refined to remove impurities and improve stability. Mineral oils come from crude oil and are refined for clarity and performance.

Health and environment: Dietary oils supply fats and essential fatty acids, with health outcomes depending on type and intake. Sustainable sourcing and responsible management are increasingly emphasized to reduce environmental impact.