kerosene
Kerosene (noun) means a light petroleum-based fuel used for jet engines, heating, and lighting, thinner than diesel but heavier than petrol. Example: “The cabin was lit by a kerosene lamp long before electricity arrived.”
How to use kerosene
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA common fuel oil used for heating, lamps, and jet engines.
British English typically calls the same household fuel "paraffin", while "kerosene" is the standard term in American English and in aviation worldwide.
Word forms
kerosenes plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cabin was lit by a _____ lamp long before electricity arrived.
Etymology
Coined from the Ancient Greek kērós ("wax") plus the chemical suffix "-ene"; it was trademarked as a name in 1854 before becoming a generic term.
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for kerosene
See all rhymes for kerosene →Frequently asked questions
What does “kerosene” mean?
The word “kerosene” means a light petroleum-based fuel used for jet engines, heating, and lighting, thinner than diesel but heavier than petrol. In plain terms, a common fuel oil used for heating, lamps, and jet engines.
How do you pronounce “kerosene”?
“Kerosene” is pronounced KEH-ruh-seen (/ˈkɛɹəsiːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “kerosene” in a sentence?
Here is “kerosene” used in a sentence: “The cabin was lit by a kerosene lamp long before electricity arrived.”
What part of speech is “kerosene”?
“Kerosene” is a noun.
Where does the word “kerosene” come from?
The word “kerosene” dates back to around 1854 and comes from Ancient Greek. Coined from the Ancient Greek kērós ("wax") plus the chemical suffix "-ene"; it was trademarked as a name in 1854 before becoming a generic term.
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