biofuel
noun
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Since the early 19th century, "fossil fuel" has been used to refer to fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas which are formed from the remains of plants and animals which have lain in the earth for millions of years. In the 1970s, a new word, "biofuel," began to be used to describe a different kind of fuel, one taken from more contemporary organic matter. These fuels include ethanol, which can be derived from such products as corn and sugarcane, and biodiesel, which can be formed from vegetable oils. These organic sources are reflected in the prefix, bio-, meaning "life" or "living organisms or tissue." The prefix bio- was borrowed from the Greek bios, meaning "mode of life."
Examples of biofuel in a Sentence
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Apr. 2025
However, a lawyer representing oil refineries argued that the EPA’s denials of their request for biofuel blending exemptions were local decisions impacting individual refineries.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 25 Mar. 2025
But since 2019, Norway’s capital has made strides toward replacing them with those burning biofuels and running on electricity.
—Troy Aidan Sambajon, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Mar. 2025
Boosting Biofuel Research teams led by Jonathan Cumming, chair of the department of natural sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, are field testing the feasibility of switchgrass as a cover crop and biofuel ingredient.
—Robin Roenker, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Biofuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biofuel. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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