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
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Wastewater is also reused for irrigation, and the hotel has also started recycling vegetable oils with an organization that transforms the waste into biodiesel. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026 Glycerol, an abundant and low-cost byproduct of biodiesel production, enables the reaction to proceed at lower energy input compared to conventional water electrolysis, according to a press release. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026 The vast majority are not for biodiesel or ethanol — the fuel mixed with petroleum for use in cars in parts of the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Nithin Coca, semafor.com, 23 Apr. 2026 Biomass energy includes the burning of wood, human and animal waste, and agricultural crops for heat and electricity and the converting of such crops as corn and soybeans into liquid biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for biodiesel

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biodiesel was in 1981

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Cite this Entry

“Biodiesel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biodiesel. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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)
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