benzene
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for benzene, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A colorless, flammable liquid hydrocarbon with the formula C6H6, made of a ring of six carbon atoms, widely used in industry as a solvent and raw material.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Coined in German from Benzin, itself based on Benzoesäure ("benzoic acid"), with the chemical suffix -ene added when the compound was renamed in English in 1872.
Full origin of benzene →Frequently asked questions
What does “benzene” mean?
The word “benzene” means a colorless, flammable liquid hydrocarbon with the formula C6H6, made of a ring of six carbon atoms, widely used in industry as a solvent and raw material. In plain terms, a common industrial chemical made of a ring-shaped molecule, notable for being both useful and toxic.
How do you pronounce “benzene”?
“Benzene” is pronounced BEHN-zeen (/ˈbɛnziːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “benzene” in a sentence?
Here is “benzene” used in a sentence: “Benzene is a known carcinogen and is tightly regulated in consumer products.”
What part of speech is “benzene”?
“Benzene” is a noun.
Where does the word “benzene” come from?
The word “benzene” dates back to around 1872 and comes from German. Coined in German from Benzin, itself based on Benzoesäure ("benzoic acid"), with the chemical suffix -ene added when the compound was renamed in English in 1872.
Is “benzene” a common word?
“Benzene” is an uncommon word in modern English.