alkylbenzene

noun

al·​kyl·​ben·​zene ¦al-kəl-ˈben-ˌzēn 

-ˌben-ˈzēn

plural alkylbenzenes

: a compound of one or more alkyl radicals combined with benzene

The fluid is a common, mass-produced petrochemical called linear alkylbenzene … used to make clear detergents, like liquid hand soap.

—Diana Steele, Science News, 17 Jan. 2009

Word History

Etymology

alkyl entry 1 + benzene

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!