Kerosene is a clear, strong-smelling liquid which is used as a fuel, for example in heaters and lamps.
[mainly US]regional note: in BRIT, use paraffin
kerosene in British English
or kerosine (ˈkɛrəˌsiːn)
noun
1. Also called: paraffin
a liquid mixture consisting mainly of alkane hydrocarbons with boiling points in the range 150°–300°C, used as an aircraft fuel, in domestic heaters, and as a solvent
2.
the general name for paraffin as a fuel for jet aircraft
▶ USAGE The spelling kerosine is now the preferred form in technical and industrial usage
Word origin
C19: from Greek kēros wax + -ene
kerosene in American English
(ˈkɛrəˌsin; ˌ kɛrəˈsin)
US
noun
a thin oil distilled from petroleum or shale oil, used as a fuel, solvent, illuminant, etc.; coal oil
: also, esp. in scientific and industrial usage, sp. ˈkeroˌsine
Kerosene is an oil distillate, usually used as a heating oil, as fuel in jet engines.
Kerosene is a refined middle-distillate petroleum product that is commonly used as a jet fuel,and in cooking and heating.
Kerosene is a petroleum fraction containing hydrocarbons that are slightly heavier than thosefound in gasoline and naphtha. It is commonly used as aviation fuel.
Kerosene is an oil distillate, usually used as a heating oil, as fuel in jet engines.
Examples of 'kerosene' in a sentence
kerosene
The only light in the dug-out was from a kerosene lantern resting on the rough table beside his map.
Forrest, Roberta WHEN THE APRICOTS BLOOM (2004)
Conrad smiled, stepping into the swathe of light thrown by the kerosene lamps inside.
Mark Mills AMAGANSETT (2004)
She poured herself a second glass of wine and shut down the kerosene lamp, which was attracting moths.
Laurie R. King FOLLY (2004)
In other languages
kerosene
British English: kerosene /ˈkɛrəˌsiːn/ NOUN
Kerosene is a strong-smelling liquid which is used as a fuel in heaters, lamps, and engines.