noun
kerosene
KEH-ruh-seen
noun
1
A light petroleum-based fuel used for jet engines, heating, and lighting, thinner than diesel but heavier than petrol.
"The cabin was lit by a kerosene lamp long before electricity arrived."
"Jet aircraft burn a refined type of kerosene as fuel."
How to Use Kerosene
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA common fuel oil used for heating, lamps, and jet engines.
UK vs US
British English typically calls the same household fuel "paraffin", while "kerosene" is the standard term in American English and in aviation worldwide.
Common pairings
kerosene lamp
kerosene heater
aviation kerosene
Word Forms
kerosenes plural
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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.