fuel

[fyoo-uhl]

noun

1. combustible matter used to maintain fire, as coal, wood, oil, or gas, in order to create heat or power.

2. something that gives nourishment; food.

3. an energy source for engines, power plants, or reactors.

   Kerosene is used as jet engine fuel.

4. something that sustains or encourages; stimulant.

   Our discussion provided him with fuel for debate.

   Synonyms: stimulus, impetus, sustenance, ammunition

verb (used with object)

fueled, fueling , fuelled, fuelling .

1. to supply with fuel.

verb (used without object)

fueled, fueling , fuelled, fuelling .

1. to obtain or replenish fuel.

fuel

/ fjʊəl /

noun

1. any substance burned as a source of heat or power, such as coal or petrol

2. 1. the material, containing a fissile substance, such as uranium-235, that produces energy in a nuclear reactor

   2. a substance that releases energy in a fusion reactor

3. something that nourishes or builds up emotion, action, etc

verb

1. to supply with or receive fuel

fuel

1. A substance that produces useful energy when it undergoes a chemical or nuclear reaction. Fuel such as coal, wood, oil, or gas provides energy when burned. Compounds in the body such as glucose are broken down into simpler compounds to provide energy for metabolic processes. Some radioactive substances, such as plutonium and tritium, provide energy by undergoing nuclear fission or fusion.

Other Word Forms

• fueller noun
• fueler noun
• defuel verb (used with object)
• nonfuel adjective
• unfueled adjective
• well-fueled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fuel¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English feuel, fuel(le), from Old French feuaile, from Vulgar Latin focālia (unrecorded), neuter plural of focālis (unrecorded) “of the hearth, fuel,” from Latin focus “hearth” ( focus ) + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of fuel¹

C14: from Old French feuaile , from feu fire, ultimately from Latin focus fireplace, hearth

Idioms and Phrases

see add fuel to the fire.

Example Sentences

Plans to fight climate change by manipulating the Arctic and Antarctic environment are dangerous, unlikely to work and could distract from the need to ditch fossil fuels, dozens of polar scientists have warned.

From BBC

She added that many members and voters were unhappy about "the situation in Gaza, the winter fuel allowances, the welfare cuts".

From BBC

The ruling Monday is chilling for those who rely on immigrant workers to fuel their industry.

From Los Angeles Times

But ferocious fire in recent years, fueled by climate change, has proved fatal to the trees experts once thought were impervious to flame.

From Los Angeles Times

Previously, the company would sell these credits to other car companies that needed to meet fuel economy and emission standards.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ammunition 
• electricity 
• food 
• gas 
• material