kerosene

noun

ker·​o·​sene ˈker-ə-ˌsēn  ˌker-ə-ˈsēn 

variants or less commonly kerosine

: a flammable hydrocarbon oil usually obtained by distillation of petroleum and used as a fuel, solvent, and thinner

Examples of kerosene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What's more, widespread kerosene use for fuel at army posts has seen reports leak of accelerated melting – and trash accumulation – at these spots along the glacier. —New Atlas, 10 Dec. 2024

If that becomes economical, producing kerosene for aviation won’t make sense. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

The liquid rocket fuel consists rocket-grade kerosene combined with liquid oxygen. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2024

The use of devices similar to tiki torches, candles, open flame kerosene lanterns are prohibited in the back country wilderness. —Buffalo National River, arkansasonline.com, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek kēros + English -ene (as in camphene)

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

kerosene

noun

ker·​o·​sene

variants also kerosine

ˈker-ə-ˌsēn 

ker-ə-ˈsēn,

ˈkar-,

ˌkar-

: a thin oil obtained from petroleum and used as a fuel and solvent

Medical Definition

kerosene

noun

ker·​o·​sene

variants also kerosine

ˈker-ə-ˌsēn  ˌker-ə-ˈ 

ˈkar-,

ˌkar-

: a flammable hydrocarbon oil usually obtained by distillation of petroleum and used for a fuel and as a solvent and thinner (as in insecticide emulsions)