benzene

American  

[ben-zeen, ben-zeen] / ˈbɛn zin, bɛnˈzin /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, volatile, flammable, toxic, slightly water-soluble, liquid, aromatic compound, C 6 H 6 , obtained chiefly from coal tar: used in the manufacture of commercial and medicinal chemicals, dyes, and as a solvent for resins, fats, or the like.

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benzene British  

/ ˈbɛnziːn, bɛnˈziːn /

noun

1. a colourless flammable toxic aromatic liquid used in the manufacture of styrene, phenol, etc, as a solvent for fats, resins, etc, and as an insecticide. Formula: C 6 H 6 See also benzene ring

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benzene Scientific  

/ bĕn′zēn′ /

1. A colorless flammable liquid derived from petroleum. Benzene is used to make detergents, insecticides, motor fuels, and many other chemical products. Chemical formula: C ₆ H ₆.

2. See more at benzene ring

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Etymology

Origin of benzene

First recorded in 1825–35; benz(oic acid) + -ene

Example Sentences

But monitoring for leaks has proved effective in other industries; fence-line emissions of benzene, a carcinogen, fell 30% at petroleum refineries after implementation of a similar monitoring program, according to the EPA.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

Volatile organic compounds like benzene, stemming from burnt PVC pipes, have entered drinking water.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

One driver is stronger aromatics contribution, with paraxylene and benzene spreads rebounding, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

“So, I do not understand why testing for benzene and some of the other fire-related chemicals was not done.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2026

Despite regular spongings with benzene at the hands of our maid SanJuanna, the coat always kept its musty smell and strange color, which was neither black nor green.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly