SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

cumene

noun
Save Word
cu·​mene | \ ˈkyü(ˌ)mēn \
plural -s

Definition of cumene

: a colorless oily hydrocarbon (CH3)2CHC6H5 obtained by acid-catalyzed alkylation of benzene with propylene and used as an additive for high-octane motor fuel; isopropyl-benzene

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for cumene

International Scientific Vocabulary cum- + -ene; originally formed as French cumène

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about cumene

Statistics for cumene

Cite this Entry

“Cumene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumene. Accessed 26 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Comments on cumene

What made you want to look up cumene? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

megillah

Listen to the pronunciation of megillah

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz

  • squirrel in winter
  • Which is a synonym of perdure?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games