ethanol
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of ethanol
Compare meaning
How does ethanol compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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")
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Sugar Changed the World
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
aer (air), aeth (sky), vapor (gas)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto last week set a target of a 20% ethanol blend in gasoline in two years—doubling and bringing forward the existing target.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026
U.S. biofuels policies were established after the 1970s oil shock, starting with support for corn-based ethanol that’s blended with gasoline.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026
Nearly three million tonnes is also expected to be diverted to ethanol production, leaving little room for any shortfall.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
For India, however, sugar availability could improve next year if high prices prompt mills to divert less cane to ethanol.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
He didn’t know why and never found out; instead, Charlie bought two rail cars’ worth of ethanol futures, and made headlines in Ethanol Today, a magazine of whose existence he was previously unaware.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
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.
