toluene

noun

tol·​u·​ene ˈtäl-yə-ˌwēn 

: a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C₇H₈ that resembles benzene but is less volatile, flammable, and toxic and is used especially as a solvent, in organic synthesis, and as an antiknock agent for gasoline

Examples of toluene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But, as Hidalgo noted, the EPA is still years behind updating its risk standards for other harmful air toxics, including ethylene, toluene and propylene. —Ava Kofman, ProPublica, 16 Apr. 2024

The health department wanted the refinery to pull samples for more pollutants, and under the settlement agreement, the company will also monitor for toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes, Ogletree said. —Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2024

Discharges from this process risk releasing hazardous chemicals from gasoline, like benzene and toluene, in contaminated groundwater. —Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 23 Jan. 2024

The patient's scalp, face and neck were cleaned with paint thinner (60% toluene). —Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019

Word History

Etymology

French toluène, from tolu balsam from the tropical American tree Myroxylon balsamum, from Spanish tolú, from Santiago de Tolú, Colombia

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

toluene

noun

tol·​u·​ene ˈtäl-yə-ˌwēn 

: a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C₇H₈ that resembles benzene but is less volatile, flammable, and toxic and is used as a solvent, in organic synthesis, and as an antiknock agent for gasoline

called also methylbenzene