ethanol

noun

eth·​a·​nol ˈe-thə-ˌnȯl  -ˌnōl 

 British also  ˈē-

: a colorless volatile flammable liquid C₂H₅OH that is the intoxicating agent in liquors and is also used as a solvent and in fuel

called also ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol

Examples of ethanol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of many factors contributing to day-after misery is the accumulation of acetaldehyde, a chemical byproduct of the beverages’ ethanol breaking down in the body. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2025

The scientists exposed flies to ethanol vapor either in a group or alone, and then studied their behavior and brain activity. —New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025

Isopropyl alcohol, ethanol/bioethanol, and similar liquid fuels burn with flame temperatures over 1,600°F and can cause third-degree burns in less than one second. —Kate Gibson, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024

Driving the news: The CR was light on energy and climate surprises beyond a major win for ethanol producers. —Daniel Moore, Axios, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ethanol

noun

eth·​a·​nol ˈeth-ə-ˌnȯl 

-ˌnōl

: a colorless flammable easily evaporated liquid that is used to dissolve things and that is the substance in fermented and distilled liquors that can make one drunk

called also ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol

Medical Definition

ethanol

noun

eth·​a·​nol ˈeth-ə-ˌnȯl  -ˌnōl 

: a colorless volatile flammable liquid C₂H₅OH that is the intoxicating agent in liquors and is also used as a solvent

called also ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol

see alcohol sense 1