benzene

noun

ben·​zene ˈben-ˌzēn How to pronounce benzene (audio)
ben-ˈ
: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C6H6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel
benzenoid adjective or noun

Examples of benzene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There’s no solid evidence, however, connecting benzene from acne products to cancer. Jessica Chia, SELF, 12 Mar. 2024 On one hand, benzene is classified as a carcinogen. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 8 Mar. 2024 Sometimes Suncor also pollutes the Burlington Ditch, an irrigation canal that runs along its border, with benzene. Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2024 Chiquita Canyon officials have argued that the elevated benzene found in some water samples is not representative of the larger amount of liquid that the company is trying to remove and transport. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2024 It is suspected that the volatile organic compounds (benzene, formaldehyde, etc.) and heavy metals (nickel, tine, lead, etc.) associated with e-cigarettes can cause not only lung damage but damage to the heart and brain. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 8 Feb. 2024 In 2021, the state legislature passed a bill that required Suncor to install monitoring equipment along its fenceline to test the air for hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide and benzene. Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2024 Environmental regulators say that the local air and water samples have contained elevated levels of benzene, a cancer-causing chemical that evaporates easily. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2024 Her blood also tested positive for benzene, another chemical found in the crash. Alex Presha, ABC News, 2 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'benzene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary benz- + -ene

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of benzene was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near benzene

Cite this Entry

“Benzene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzene. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

benzene

noun
ben·​zene ˈben-ˌzēn How to pronounce benzene (audio)
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 How to pronounce benzene (audio) ben-ˈ How to pronounce benzene (audio)
: 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on benzene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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