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

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, zīlēn′ ]

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.