: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C6H6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel
Examples of benzene in a Sentence
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If inhaled or ingested, benzene can lead to nausea and vomiting in the short term and may cause cancer over time.
—
Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Related article Visualizing the Los Angeles wildfires in maps and charts
VOCs can be toxic to humans, and at least one VOC, benzene, is known to cause cancer.
—Jen Christensen, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
The sweetness is apparently on account of its benzene content and various additives.
—Rachel Kushner, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
During the shutdown, two workers were injured in a fire and the refinery repeatedly released hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide into the air and benzene into Sand Creek, which flows along the refinery’s northeastern border.
—Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
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Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Related article Visualizing the Los Angeles wildfires in maps and charts
VOCs can be toxic to humans, and at least one VOC, benzene, is known to cause cancer.
—Jen Christensen, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
The sweetness is apparently on account of its benzene content and various additives.
—Rachel Kushner, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
During the shutdown, two workers were injured in a fire and the refinery repeatedly released hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide into the air and benzene into Sand Creek, which flows along the refinery’s northeastern border.
—Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for benzene
Dictionary Entries Near benzene
Cite this Entry
“Benzene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzene. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
benzene
noun
ben·zene
ˈben-ˌzēn 
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
: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C6H6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel
called also benzol
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