biofuel

American  

[bahy-oh-fyoo-uhl] / ˈbaɪ oʊˌfyu əl /

noun

1. fuel, as wood or ethanol, derived from biomass.

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biofuel British  

/ ˈbaɪəʊˌfjʊəl /

noun

1. a gaseous, liquid, or solid substance of biological origin that is used as a fuel

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biofuel Scientific  

/ bī′ō-fyo̅o̅′əl /

1. Fuel produced from renewable resources, especially plant biomass, vegetable oils, and treated municipal and industrial wastes. Biofuels are considered neutral with respect to the emission of carbon dioxide because the carbon dioxide given off by burning them is balanced by the carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants that are grown to produce them. The use of biofuels as an additive to petroleum-based fuels can also result in cleaner burning with less emission of carbon monoxide and particulates.

2. ◆ Ethanol produced by fermenting the sugars in biomass materials such as corn and agricultural residues is known as bioethanol. Bioethanol is used in internal-combustion engines either in pure form or more often as a gasoline additive.

3. ◆ Biodiesel is made by processing vegetable oils and other fats and is also used either in pure form or as an additive to petroleum-based diesel fuel.

4. ◆ Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide produced by the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter such as sewage and municipal wastes by bacteria. It is used especially in the generation of hot water and electricity.

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Etymology

Origin of biofuel

First recorded in 1970–75; bio- + fuel

Explanation

Biofuel is organic material that's burned to create energy. Wood is considered a biofuel, and so is ethanol, which is made from corn. Fuel that comes from living matter is categorized as biofuel, often to distinguish it from fossil fuels. Anything that was once part of a plant, animal, or algae, which is burned to create energy, is biofuel. While it's considered to be renewable and cleaner than oil or gas, biofuel is criticized for the environmental impact of refining it (turning corn into ethanol, for example), and the emissions created from burning it. Biofuel was coined in the 1980s.

Example Sentences

Soy and rapeseed oils gained on robust biofuel production in the U.S. and European Union, while sunflower oil prices were supported by tight Black Sea supplies.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Investment implications: Higher ethanol demand could support corn prices, benefiting crop processors like Archer Daniels Midland and companies tied to the biofuel supply chain, including ethanol producers such as Green Plains and REX American Resources.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Exports of key commodities, including palm oil, could also gain from stronger demand for biofuel amid rising crude oil prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Plus, the energy industry reckons with higher prices, and how Exxon touted its algae biofuel despite scientists’ doubts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Other biofuel producers have also been on the rise to start 2026.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026