benzene

noun

ben·​zene ˈben-ˌzēn  ben-ˈzēn 

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

benzenoid

ˈben-zə-ˌnȯid 

adjective or noun

Examples of benzene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Those substances include hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide and benzene — all chemicals that can make people sick with asthma and other respiratory diseases as well as cancer. —Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 7 May 2025

The traces of benzene found in some sunscreens seem to be what sparked the sudden trend to stop using the product altogether. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2025

In addition to particulates, wildfire smoke contains a complex mix of toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, ozone and VOCs, such as benzene and formaldehyde. —Sissi Liu, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Because the amounts and absorption of benzene from these products are small, the risk is low. —David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary benz- + -ene

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing benzene

• benzene hexachloride
• benzene ring

Rhymes for benzene

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• between
• bromine

Kids 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

benzene

noun

ben·​zene ˈben-ˌzēn  ben-ˈ 

: 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

ˈben-zə-ˌnȯid 

adjective