ox gall
noun
variants
or less commonly oxgall
or ox-gall
1
: bile obtained from an ox
2
: a preparation consisting of alcohol mixed with ox bile that is used chiefly as a wetting agent (as for watercolors)
… painting large, flat areas in gouache can be difficult because of its tendency to streak. Adding a few dozen drops of ox gall to the cup of mixing water can minimize streaking by slowing drying time …—Linda S. Price
Cite this Entry
“Ox gall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ox%20gall. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
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