fuel

¹fu·el

noun, often attributive \ˈfyü(-ə)l\

Definition of FUEL

1

a : a material used to produce heat or power by burning b : nutritive material c : a material from which atomic energy can be liberated especially in a reactor

2

: a source of sustenance or incentive : reinforcement

Examples of FUEL

1. I had the fuel pump replaced on my car.
2. These latest scandals will provide further fuel for his political opponents.
3. These latest accusations will only add fuel to the controversy.
4. The controversy continues to rage, and these latest accusations will only add fuel to the fire.

Origin of FUEL

Middle English fewel, from Anglo-French fuail, feuaile, from Vulgar Latin *focalia, from Latin focus hearth

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to FUEL

Synonyms: energy, power

Related Words: kindling, propellant (also propellent); force

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Other Energy Engineering Terms

fusion, scram