Meaning & Definition of word "Kerosene"
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Kerosene
/ˈkɛrəˌsiːn/
noun:
- 1. A flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture, derived from petroleum, used as fuel for jet engines, heating, and lamps.
- Example: The camping stove ran on kerosene, providing a reliable heat source in the wilderness.
- 2. A type of fuel used for lamps and heating, especially in rural or undeveloped areas.
- Example: In the absence of electricity, they relied on kerosene lamps to light their home at night.
- 3. A volatile liquid used as a solvent or in the petrochemical industry.
- Example: The factory used kerosene to clean machinery and tools.
Etymology
From the Greek 'keros' meaning 'wax' + 'ene' to denote hydrocarbons.
Common Phrases and Expressions
light a kerosene lamp:
to use a traditional lamp that burns kerosene for illumination.
kerosene heater:
a heating device that burns kerosene to produce warmth.
kerosene flares:
devices that burn kerosene to create bright light for signaling.
Related Words
paraffin:
A type of waxy substance used to make candles and as a fuel.
gasoline:
A liquid fuel derived from petroleum used primarily in internal combustion engines.
oil:
A viscous liquid derived from petroleum used as fuel or in various applications.
Slang Meanings of kerosene
Meaning: Kero
Example Sentence: Let's fill the tank with some kero before the trip.
Meaning: Rocket fuel
Example Sentence: He joked that the cheap kerosene was just rocket fuel in disguise.