biodiesel

American  

[bahy-oh-dee-zuhl, ‐suhl] / ˌbaɪ oʊˈdi zəl, ‐səl /

noun

1. a biofuel that, alone or blended with diesel fuel, can be substituted for standard diesel fuel in an unmodified diesel engine: blended forms of biodiesel are also used as heating oils.

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biodiesel British  

/ ˈbaɪəʊˌdiːzəl /

noun

1. a biofuel intended for use in diesel engines

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biodiesel Scientific  

/ bī′ō-dē′zəl,-səl /

1. See under biofuel

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Etymology

Origin of biodiesel

First recorded in 1980–85; bio- ( def. ) + diesel ( def. ); cf. petrodiesel ( def. )

Example Sentences

The liquid is often left in containers outside premises to be taken away to be recycled for potential use as biodiesel, a renewable fuel for transport such as buses and tractors.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

Canada is among the world's top producers of canola, an oilseed crop that is used to make cooking oil, animal meal and biodiesel fuel.

From Barron's • Oct. 31, 2025

Investors are closely watching the impact of Indonesia’s plan to launch biodiesel containing 50% palm-oil based biofuel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

One third-party Tesla modification company, aimed at civilian and government clients, sells Cybertruck upgrades so it can run on jet fuel, diesel, biodiesel, and electricity.

From Slate • Mar. 15, 2025

A small patrol boat, burning biodiesel and kicking up fumes, moved between huge sailing vessels, carrying pilots out to ships that waited to be guided in to dock.

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi