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.
Andersons agreed to buy low-carbon ethanol producer Harvestone Low Carbon Partners for $915 million.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 4, 2026
Andersons agreed to buy low-carbon ethanol producer Harvestone Low Carbon Partners for $915 million in a deal that expands the diversified agricultural company’s renewables platform by more than 40%.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 4, 2026
A. aegis had been fixed in ethanol rather than formalin, the only member of the genus stored that way, and ethanol leaves genetic material intact.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 30, 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
To the intense irritation of Cornwall’s broker, they wound up having to accept rail cars filled with ethanol in some stockyard in Chicago—to make a sum of money that struck the broker as absurdly small.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
