biodiesel

noun

bio·​die·​sel ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-ˈdē-zəl How to pronounce biodiesel (audio)
-səl
: a fuel that is similar to diesel fuel and is derived from usually vegetable sources (such as soybean oil)

Examples of biodiesel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Stoneham, 17, a senior, was there with the members of his Biodiesel and Algal Studies Group demonstrating the process of making biodiesel. Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024 The state has the highest electric-vehicle adoption rate in the country and its conventional diesel demand has fallen by half since 2016 amid rising production of low-carbon alternatives such as renewable diesel and biodiesel. Kevin Crowley, Fortune, 15 Dec. 2023 Some European plants shut down during the pandemic, while others in the US switched to biodiesel. Kevin Crowley, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2023 The vast majority of soybean meal is used in animal feed, while roughly half of the country's production of soybean oil this year is expected to serve as feedstock for low-carbon biofuels, including biodiesel and renewable diesel. Bob Henderson, WSJ, 20 June 2023 Project 710 will run its diesel generators on HVO, a second-generation biodiesel that manufacturers describe as a net-zero CO2 fuel. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2023 Local In pollution-weary Barrio Logan, residents protest biodiesel plant’s pipeline plans March 18, 2023 New Leaf Biofuel, which opened on Newton Avenue near Main Street about 15 years ago, is an industrial business that runs 24/7 converting used cooking oil into biodiesel. Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2023 Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, said many Midwest farmers have multiple transport options, among them trucking and shipment by train for use by nearby ethanol and biodiesel plants and for processing into animal feed. Scott McFetridge, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2023 Nowadays, old-fashioned steam engines alternate with biodiesel locomotives for the three-hour round trip on the mountain’s western slope. Patricia Harris and David Lyon, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'biodiesel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biodiesel was in 1981

Dictionary Entries Near biodiesel

Cite this Entry

“Biodiesel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biodiesel. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

biodiesel

noun
bio·​die·​sel -ˈdē-zəl How to pronounce biodiesel (audio)
-səl
: a fuel that is similar to diesel fuel and is usually derived from plants (as soybeans)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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