benzene

noun

: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C6H6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel
benzenoid adjective or noun

Examples of benzene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The wildfires also saw local water systems contaminated with toxins, including benzene and other volatile organic compounds. William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 Every breath, it is feared, could contain the particulate residue of lithium EV batteries, asbestos tiles, lead, benzene and other volatile compounds contained in paint, plastics, electronics and furniture. Elycia Rubin, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025 Thankfully, since the recall most companies have taken to testing their products for benzene and other harmful chemicals. Kat Merck, WIRED, 17 Jan. 2025 Researchers subsequently identified benzene and other VOCs in the 2018 Camp fire in Paradise, Calif., and fires in Colorado and Hawaii. Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for benzene

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary benz- + -ene

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of benzene was in 1833

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Benzene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzene. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

benzene

noun
ben·​zene ˈben-ˌzēn How to pronounce benzene (audio)
ben-ˈzēn
: a colorless flammable liquid that evaporates easily and is used to make or dissolve other chemicals or as a motor fuel

Medical Definition

benzene

noun
ben·​zene ˈben-ˌzēn How to pronounce benzene (audio) ben-ˈ How to pronounce benzene (audio)
: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C6H6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel

called also benzol

benzenoid adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on benzene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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