cumene

noun

cu·​mene
ˈkyü(ˌ)mēn
plural -s
: a colorless oily hydrocarbon (CH3)2CHC6H5 obtained by acid-catalyzed alkylation of benzene with propylene and used as an additive for high-octane motor fuel; isopropyl-benzene

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary cum- + -ene; originally formed as French cumène

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Cite this Entry

“Cumene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumene. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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