1860, coined by English inventor Frederick Walton (1837-1928), from Latin linum "flax, linen" (see linen) + oleum "oil" (see oil (n.)). Originally, a preparation of solidified linseed oil used to coat canvas for making floor coverings; the word was applied to the flooring material itself after 1878. The Linoleum Manufacturing Company was formed 1864.
"A polyunsaturated fatty acid present as a glyceride in linseed oil and other oils and essential in the human diet", Mid 19th century: from Latin linum 'flax' + oleic acid.
