Fuel

/fjuːəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A material, such as coal, gas, or oil, that is burned to produce heat or power.

The car runs on gasoline, which is a common type of fuel.

A substance that provides energy for the operation of machines or for heating.

Wood is often used as fuel in fireplaces during the winter.

Something that stimulates or sustains activity or emotion.

The news provided fuel for the ongoing debate about climate change.

verb

To provide with fuel; to supply energy or power to something.

The workers fuel the generator every week to ensure it runs efficiently.

To increase the intensity or activity of something.

The rumors only fueled the controversy surrounding the politician.

Middle English: from Old French: ‘fouaille’ meaning ‘firewood’, from Latin ‘focus’ meaning ‘hearth’.

fire up

To cause something to start operating or to become more active.

fuel the fire

To increase or intensify a situation or emotion.

running on fumes

To continue to operate when almost out of fuel or energy.

combustion

The process of burning something.

propellant

A substance used to propel or drive an object forward.

calorific

Relating to or producing heat energy.

Juice

I need some juice for my phone.

Nitro

This car needs some nitro to run fast.