Vegetable oil, also known as plant oil, refers to any oil that is extracted from fruits, seeds, or nuts of plants. Some common synonyms for vegetable oil include cooking oil, salad oil, and edible oil. These oils are derived from a variety of plants, such as soybeans, canola, sunflower, olives, and corn. Each type of vegetable oil has unique properties, flavors, and uses in cooking and baking. For example, olive oil is often used for sauteing and salad dressings, while coconut oil is popular in baking and frying. Understanding the different types of vegetable oil can help you choose the best one for your culinary needs.