benzene

noun

ben·​zene ˈben-ˌzēn  ben-ˈzēn 

: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C₆H₆ used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel

benzenoid

ˈben-zə-ˌnȯid 

adjective or noun

Examples of benzene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers subsequently identified benzene and other VOCs in the 2018 Camp fire in Paradise, Calif., and fires in Colorado and Hawaii. —Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2025

Koerber said an earlier EPA rule, which required oil refineries to install fence line monitoring for benzene, led to a significant decrease in benzene from those facilities. —Lisa Song, ProPublica, 5 Feb. 2025

Before lifting advisories, water providers are legally required by the State of California to monitor for benzene. —Hannah Singleton, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025

Certain VOCs, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde, are considered carcinogenic. —Rotem Eylor, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary benz- + -ene

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing benzene

• benzene hexachloride
• benzene ring

Rhymes for benzene

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• between
• bromine

Kids Definition

benzene

noun

ben·​zene ˈben-ˌzēn 

ben-ˈzēn

: a colorless flammable liquid that evaporates easily and is used to make or dissolve other chemicals or as a motor fuel

Medical Definition

benzene

noun

ben·​zene ˈben-ˌzēn  ben-ˈ 

: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C₆H₆ used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel

called also benzol

benzenoid

ˈben-zə-ˌnȯid 

adjective