xylene
[ zahy-leen ]
/ ˈzaɪ lin /
noun Chemistry.
any of three oily, colorless, water-insoluble, flammable, toxic, isomeric liquids, C8H10, of the benzene series, obtained mostly from coal tar: used chiefly in the manufacture of dyes.
Also
xy·lol
[zahy-lawl, -lol] /ˈzaɪ lɔl, -lɒl/.
Also called
dimethylbenzene.
Origin of xylene
1850–55; < Greek
xýl(on) wood +
-ene
Words nearby xylene
xxy syndrome,
xy recorder,
xylan,
xylem,
xylem ray,
xylene,
xylic acid,
xylidine,
xylitol,
xylo-,
xylocarp
Example sentences from the Web for xylene
British Dictionary definitions for xylene
xylene
/ (ˈzaɪliːn) /
noun
an aromatic hydrocarbon existing in three isomeric forms, all three being colourless flammable volatile liquids used as solvents and in the manufacture of synthetic resins, dyes, and insecticides; dimethylbenzene. Formula: C 6 H 4 (CH 3) 2
Also called: xylol
Scientific definitions for xylene
xylene
[ zī-lēn′, zī′lēn′ ]
A flammable hydrocarbon obtained from wood and coal tar. Xylene consists of a benzene ring with two methyl (CH3) groups attached, and occurs in three isomeric forms. It is used as a solvent, in jet fuel, and in the manufacture of dyes, fibers, perfumes, and films. Chemical formula: C8H10.
A mixture of xylene isomers used as a solvent in making lacquers and rubber cement and as an aviation fuel.