Vegetable oil is a broad term for oils extracted from plant sources, like seeds, nuts, and fruits. These oils, including canola, sunflower, olive, coconut, and palm oils, are commonly used in cooking for frying, baking, and as salad dressings. They are also used in food processing, cosmetics, and as biofuel. Each type of vegetable oil has distinct properties, flavors, and nutritional profiles, making them suitable for various culinary and industrial applications.