biofuel

noun

bio·​fu·​el ˌbi-(ˌ)ō-ˈfyü(-ə)l 

: a fuel (such as wood or ethanol) composed of or produced from biological raw materials compare fossil fuel

Did you know?

Since the early 19th century, "fossil fuel" has been used to refer to fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas which are formed from the remains of plants and animals which have lain in the earth for millions of years. In the 1970s, a new word, "biofuel," began to be used to describe a different kind of fuel, one taken from more contemporary organic matter. These fuels include ethanol, which can be derived from such products as corn and sugarcane, and biodiesel, which can be formed from vegetable oils. These organic sources are reflected in the prefix, bio-, meaning "life" or "living organisms or tissue." The prefix bio- was borrowed from the Greek bios, meaning "mode of life."

Examples of biofuel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ethanol production already produces less carbon than gasoline production, but the industry must reduce that further to qualify for tax credits that require biofuel have a carbon score at least 50% lower than gasoline. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2024

The marine industry has been slowly moving away from diesel with hybrid propulsion systems, fuel cells, and biofuels, but one Turkish designer wants to ditch fuel completely. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 June 2024

To ensure the entire process has a net-negative carbon output, the facility where the biofuel is produced will use carbon capture technology, which extracts carbon from the atmosphere and permanently stores it underground. —Jonny Bierman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2023

The new engines will be compatible with what the industry calls e-fuels made from hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and biofuels. —William Gavin, Quartz, 28 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

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