Definition of benzene
: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C6H6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel
Read the Latest from M-W
Recent Examples of benzene from the Web
-
The EDF said that reducing leaks would keep large quantities of smog-forming volatile organic compounds, cancer-causing benzene, and methane from being emitted into the air.
-
EDF said that reducing leaks would keep large quantities of smog-forming volatile organic compounds, cancer-causing benzene, and methane from being emitted into the air.
-
EDF said that reducing leaks would keep large quantities of smog-forming volatile organic compounds, cancer-causing benzene, and methane from being emitted into the air.
-
EDF said that reducing leaks would keep large quantities of smog-forming volatile organic compounds, cancer-causing benzene, and methane from being emitted into the air.
-
The EDF said that reducing leaks would keep large quantities of smog-forming volatile organic compounds, cancer-causing benzene, and methane from being emitted into the air.
-
Additional caps on benzene, a large proportion of reformate, presents another challenge to octane production.
-
It is contaminated with benzene and toluene, both hazardous materials, said Tim Ratsep, a program administrator for Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, which is cleaning the site.
-
In the most famous example, German chemist August Kekulé fell asleep while thinking about benzene one day in 1865, dreamed of a snake biting its own tail, and thus discovered the molecule’s ring structure, a seminal advance in organic chemistry.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'benzene.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of benzene
International Scientific Vocabulary benz- + -ene
BENZENE Defined for English Language Learners
benzene
playDefinition of benzene for English Language Learners
-
: a liquid chemical that is used to make plastics, fuel for automobiles, and other substances
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about benzene
-
See words that rhyme with benzene Spanish Central: Translation of benzene Nglish: Translation of benzene for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about benzene
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up benzene? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!