from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Linoleum \Li*no"le*um\ (l[i^]*n[=o]"l[-e]*[u^]m), n. [L. linum
flax + oleum oil.]
1. Linseed oil brought to various degrees of hardness by some
oxidizing process, as by exposure to heated air, or by
treatment with chloride of sulphur. In this condition it
is used for many of the purposes to which India rubber has
been applied.
[1913 Webster]
2. A kind of floor cloth made by laying hardened linseed oil
mixed with ground cork on a canvas backing.
[1913 Webster]