benzene

[ ben-zeen, ben-zeen ]
/ ˈbɛn zin, bɛnˈzin /

noun Chemistry.

a colorless, volatile, flammable, toxic, slightly water-soluble, liquid, aromatic compound, C6H6, obtained chiefly from coal tar: used in the manufacture of commercial and medicinal chemicals, dyes, and as a solvent for resins, fats, or the like.

Origin of benzene

First recorded in 1825–35; benz(oic acid) + -ene

Words nearby benzene

benzaldehyde, benzalkonium chloride, benzamine, benzanthracene, benzedrine, benzene, benzene hexachloride, benzene ring, benzene series, benzeneazobenzene, benzenecarbaldehyde

Example sentences from the Web for benzene

British Dictionary definitions for benzene

benzene
/ (ˈbɛnziːn, bɛnˈziːn) /

noun

a colourless flammable toxic aromatic liquid used in the manufacture of styrene, phenol, etc, as a solvent for fats, resins, etc, and as an insecticide. Formula: C 6 H 6 See also benzene ring

Medical definitions for benzene

benzene
[ bĕn′zēn′, bĕn-zēn′ ]

n.

A clear, colorless, highly refractive flammable liquid derived from petroleum and used in or to manufacture a wide variety of chemical products, including DDT, insecticides, and motor fuels. benzine

Scientific definitions for benzene

benzene
[ bĕn′zēn′ ]

A colorless flammable liquid derived from petroleum. Benzene is used to make detergents, insecticides, motor fuels, and many other chemical products. Chemical formula: C6H6. See more at benzene ring.

Other words from benzene

benzyl adjective