1. Plural of oleo; margarine or a butter substitute made from vegetable oils.
Usage: Chiefly North American; Less common in modern usage; oleo was more prevalent in mid-20th century
2. Plural of oleo; an oil or oleoresin, especially one used in perfumery or medicine.
Usage: Technical or specialized usage

Examples

• During the Depression, many families used oleos instead of butter to stretch their budgets.
• The recipe called for oleos or any neutral cooking fat.
• Oleos were heavily marketed as a modern, affordable alternative to dairy butter.
• Some vintage cookbooks list oleos among the standard pantry staples.
• The store stocked several brands of oleos in the dairy section.