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benzene

noun
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ben·​zene | \ ˈben-ˌzēn How to pronounce benzene (audio) , ben-ˈ \

Definition of benzene

: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C6H6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel
Other Words from benzene Example Sentences Learn More about benzene

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Other Words from benzene

benzenoid \ ˈben-​zə-​ˌnȯid How to pronounce benzenoid (audio) \ adjective or noun

Examples of benzene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In addition to its climate impacts, petrochemical production can release airborne toxins such as 1,3-Butadiene, benzene, and toluene, causing cancer and other illnesses. — Beth Gardiner, Wired, "A Surge of New Plastic Is About to Hit the Planet," 20 Jan. 2020 In 2007, the EPA fined the same Murphy Oil facility $395,313 in civil penalties plus $1.5 million in cleanup costs after a large benzene leak. — Joan Meiners, ProPublica, "How Oil Companies Avoided Environmental Accountability After 10.8 Million Gallons Spilled," 28 Dec. 2019 Extraction’s air-testing equipment can measure benzene at levels as low as 0.5 parts per billion. — Bruce Finley, The Denver Post, "Elevated level of cancer-causing benzene detected at Greeley school near oil and gas operation," 5 Dec. 2019 That may have exposed thousands of Philadelphians to troubling levels of benzene, including children like those who often play in the streets of Grays Ferry. — NBC News, "Massive oil refinery leaks toxic chemical in the middle of Philadelphia," 16 Jan. 2020 Federal regulators ordered the DEQ to rewrite the permits to reduce the allowed emissions of certain toxic chemicals, including arsenic and benzene, and to limit the emissions of fine particulate matter, which is linked to lung disease. — Gordon Russell, ProPublica, "In “Cancer Alley,” Toxic Polluters Face Little Oversight From Environmental Regulators," 19 Dec. 2019 These chemicals—such as benzene, toluene, naphthalene, anthracene, and phenol—form the basis for perfumes, explosives, and medicines. — Akshat Rathi, Quartz, "The science of what makes coal so dirty," 23 Oct. 2019 Packard said the petrochemical plants emit hundreds of tons of toxic, carcinogenic pollutants, including butadiene, acetaldehyde, benzene and formaldehyde. — Peter Fimrite, SFChronicle.com, "Environmental groups ban together to demand action on plastics from EPA," 3 Dec. 2019 At times during the blaze, monitors detected elevated levels of benzene in the air, prompting officials to order nearby residents to remain indoors. — Washington Post, "Agency: No alert system at Texas facility damaged by fire," 30 Oct. 2019

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.

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First Known Use of benzene

1833, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for benzene

International Scientific Vocabulary benz- + -ene

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Time Traveler for benzene

Time Traveler

The first known use of benzene was in 1833

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Statistics for benzene

Last Updated

7 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Benzene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzene. Accessed 17 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for benzene

benzene

noun
How to pronounce benzene (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of benzene

: a liquid chemical that is used to make plastics, fuel for automobiles, and other substances

See the full definition for benzene in the English Language Learners Dictionary

benzene

noun
ben·​zene | \ ˈben-ˌzēn How to pronounce benzene (audio) , ben-ˈ How to pronounce benzene (audio) \

Medical Definition of benzene

: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C6H6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel

— called also benzol

Other Words from benzene

benzenoid \ ˈben-​zə-​ˌnȯid How to pronounce benzenoid (audio) \ adjective

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More from Merriam-Webster on benzene

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with benzene

Spanish Central: Translation of benzene

Nglish: Translation of benzene for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about benzene

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