ethanol
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of ethanol
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Explanation
Ethanol is a chemical, a specific type of alcohol. When sugar ferments, as when grapes are made into wine, ethanol is created. Isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as "rubbing alcohol," is poisonous, but ethanol can be safely consumed by most people in small quantities. It's clear and colorless, and highly flammable. In addition to being a component of all alcoholic beverages, ethanol is also an alternative fuel source. The word ethanol is a contraction of ethane, a chemical compound, and alcohol.
Vocabulary lists containing ethanol
Elements of the Universe: Aether ("Sky")
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Sugar Changed the World
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aer (air), aeth (sky), vapor (gas)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
President Trump pledged support for year-round sales of fuel with 15% ethanol blend, commonly referred to as the E15 bill.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
This could support demand for corn, a major feedstock for ethanol production in the U.S.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
Perhaps the best-known examples of fermentation are in baking and brewing, where yeast breaks down sugar into ethanol and carbon dioxide.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
Most gasoline contains 10% ethanol as an octane booster.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026
Rode in the boot of a small auto belonging to a chum of Papa Thibaut’s, a Citroen Rosalie—4-cylinder engine, at least 10 years old, running—just—on a disgusting mix of coal tar and sugar-beet ethanol.
From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
