alkylbenzene

noun

al·​kyl·​ben·​zene ¦al-kəl-ˈben-ˌzēn 

-ˌben-ˈzēn

plural alkylbenzenes

: a compound of one or more alkyl radicals combined with benzene

The fluid is a common, mass-produced petrochemical called linear alkylbenzene … used to make clear detergents, like liquid hand soap.

—Diana Steele, Science News, 17 Jan. 2009

Word History

Etymology

alkyl entry 1 + benzene

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

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