Pronunciation: [ˈɔ͡ɪl lˈamp] (IPA) 
Oil lamp is spelled /ɔɪl læmp/. The first part of the word, "oil," is spelled with the digraph "oi" which represents the diphthong sound /ɔɪ/. The second part of the word, "lamp," is spelled with the consonant sound /l/ followed by the vowel sound /æ/ and the consonantal nasal sound /mp/. The word refers to a device used for producing light from oil in the past, often used for lighting up rooms or for religious ceremonies.
An oil lamp is a device used for producing light by burning oil. It consists of several key components that work together to generate illumination. Firstly, there is a container, typically made of glass, pottery, or metal, which holds the oil. The container usually has a narrow opening at the top, through which a wick is inserted. The wick, normally made of cotton or linen, acts as a fuel for the lamp as it soaks up the oil. One end of the wick remains exposed, while the other end is submerged in the oil.
To operate the oil lamp, the exposed end of the wick is lit, and the flame consumes the fuel, which is drawn up from the container through capillary action. The intensity and duration of the light can be adjusted by raising or lowering the wick. The glass chimney or shade, often present in more modern oil lamps, helps protect the flame from wind and maintains a steady burn.
Oil lamps have a long history, dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations. They were one of the primary sources of indoor lighting before the invention of electricity. A wide range of oils have been used as fuel, including vegetable oils, animal fats, and petroleum-based products. Today, oil lamps are primarily used for decorative purposes, as they emit a soft, warm glow that adds ambiance and nostalgia to various settings, including homes, restaurants, and religious ceremonies.
The word "oil" in "oil lamp" comes from the Old English word "oyle" which in turn derives from the Latin word "oleum" meaning "olive oil". The source of the Latin word is the Greek word "elaion" which also means "olive oil".
The word "lamp" comes from the Latin word "lampas" which was borrowed from the Greek word "lampas" meaning "torch" or "beacon". The Greek word "lampas" is derived from the verb "lampein" meaning "to shine" or "to blaze".
Hence, the term "oil lamp" can be traced back to the combination of the Latin and Greek words for olive oil and torch, respectively.
