toluene

noun

tol·​u·​ene ˈtäl-yə-ˌwēn 

: a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C₇H₈ that resembles benzene but is less volatile, flammable, and toxic and is used especially as a solvent, in organic synthesis, and as an antiknock agent for gasoline

Examples of toluene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Paraffin specifically releases the VOC toluene, which is a registered toxin with multiple government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. —Wkrc Staff, Baltimore Sun, 1 Dec. 2024

One of the VOCs often emitted from candles is toluene, a clear, colorless vaporized liquid that has a distinctive smell and naturally occurs in crude oil. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024

Made with a clean formula—meaning no aluminum, formaldehyde, phthalates, gluten, mineral oils, parabens, silicones, SLSs, sulfates, toluene or soap—this is a genderless scent anyone on your list will love. —Kayla Greaves, Essence, 23 Nov. 2024

But, as Hidalgo noted, the EPA is still years behind updating its risk standards for other harmful air toxics, including ethylene, toluene and propylene. —Ava Kofman, ProPublica, 16 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French toluène, from tolu balsam from the tropical American tree Myroxylon balsamum, from Spanish tolú, from Santiago de Tolú, Colombia

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

toluene

noun

tol·​u·​ene ˈtäl-yə-ˌwēn 

: a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C₇H₈ that resembles benzene but is less volatile, flammable, and toxic and is used as a solvent, in organic synthesis, and as an antiknock agent for gasoline

called also methylbenzene