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.
Advocates for ethanol blended gasoline got a long-awaited win in the House, but a bill allowing year-round sale faces a murky future in the Senate.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
Higher ethanol blends can also corrode gasoline pumps, storage tanks and other infrastructure unless retailers and distributors make upgrades.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026
South Sudan has started to ration electricity in its capital, Juba, while Zimbabwe is increasing the ethanol content in its petrol.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
The requirements are meant to help biofuel producers and farmers who produce ethanol and to reduce dependency on foreign oil, the EPA said.
From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026
Some are turned into ethanol for our cars.
From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan
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.
