Oilier

Oilier is the comparative form of the adjective oily. It describes something that has more oil, a greater degree of oiliness, or a thicker oil coating than another item. The term is used across contexts where oil or an oily sheen is present, including foods, lubricants, skin or hair, and surfaces with oil residue. For example, a second batch of fries may be oilier than the first, or a pan may become oilier after repeated use.

Usage notes: Oilier emphasizes a direct comparison of oiliness. In some contexts, greasy or greasy-looking may convey a similar idea, especially when fat rather than oil is involved. The choice between oilier and greasier can depend on whether the emphasis is on oil content or on overall slickness. In technical writing about lubricants or chemistry, more precise phrases such as more oil-coated or higher oil content are often preferred.

Formation and etymology: The word is formed by adding the comparative suffix -ier to the adjective oily, following the standard pattern for adjectives ending in -y. Oily ultimately derives from oil, with roots in historical forms that passed into modern English through various intermediate stages. See also oily, greasy, and oil.