benzene

[ben-zeen, ben-zeen]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, volatile, flammable, toxic, slightly water-soluble, liquid, aromatic compound, C 6 H 6 , 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.

benzene

/ ˈbɛnziːn, bɛnˈziːn /

noun

1. 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

benzene

1. A colorless flammable liquid derived from petroleum. Benzene is used to make detergents, insecticides, motor fuels, and many other chemical products. Chemical formula: C ₆ H ₆.

2. See more at benzene ring

Word History and Origins

Origin of benzene¹

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

Example Sentences

The provision in question applies to the regulation of nearly 200 pollutants, including mercury, arsenic, benzene and formaldehyde.

From Los Angeles Times

One contaminant of particular concern was benzene, a carcinogen found in plastic and treated construction wood as well as wildfire smoke — which can enter water systems when they lose pressure during a fire.

From Los Angeles Times

In Pacific Palisades, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power found trace levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, in several locations and is still working on resolving the contamination, the Los Angeles Times reported.

From Salon

A freight train carrying the highly toxic chemical benzene has derailed in the Czech Republic, sparking a huge fire.

From BBC

Utilities in both the Eaton and Palisades fire burn scars have reported detecting the carcinogen benzene in parts of their water systems.

From Los Angeles Times