fuel

[fyoo-uhl]

noun

1. combustible matter used to maintain fire, as coal, wood, oil, or gas, in order to create heat or power.

2. something that gives nourishment; food.

3. an energy source for engines, power plants, or reactors.

   Kerosene is used as jet engine fuel.

4. something that sustains or encourages; stimulant.

   Our discussion provided him with fuel for debate.

   Synonyms: stimulus, impetus, sustenance, ammunition

verb (used with object)

fueled, fueling , fuelled, fuelling .

1. to supply with fuel.

verb (used without object)

fueled, fueling , fuelled, fuelling .

1. to obtain or replenish fuel.

fuel

/ fjʊəl /

noun

1. any substance burned as a source of heat or power, such as coal or petrol

2. 1. the material, containing a fissile substance, such as uranium-235, that produces energy in a nuclear reactor

   2. a substance that releases energy in a fusion reactor

3. something that nourishes or builds up emotion, action, etc

verb

1. to supply with or receive fuel

fuel

1. A substance that produces useful energy when it undergoes a chemical or nuclear reaction. Fuel such as coal, wood, oil, or gas provides energy when burned. Compounds in the body such as glucose are broken down into simpler compounds to provide energy for metabolic processes. Some radioactive substances, such as plutonium and tritium, provide energy by undergoing nuclear fission or fusion.

Other Word Forms

• fueler noun
• defuel verb (used with object)
• nonfuel adjective
• unfueled adjective
• well-fueled adjective
• fueller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fuel¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English feuel, fuel(le), from Old French feuaile, from Vulgar Latin focālia (unrecorded), neuter plural of focālis (unrecorded) “of the hearth, fuel,” from Latin focus “hearth” ( focus ) + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of fuel¹

C14: from Old French feuaile , from feu fire, ultimately from Latin focus fireplace, hearth

Idioms and Phrases

see add fuel to the fire.

Example Sentences

She's one of many women who often orders multiple versions of the same item to find one that fits, before sending the rest back, fuelling a culture of mass returns.

Read more on BBC

Little progress was made in the first week of the talks, although some delegations say they are pushing for an agreed strategy to deliver on past promises to move away from using planet-warming fossil fuels.

Read more on BBC

McVay’s “positivity,” his ability to make complicated concepts understandable and his knack for creating mismatches, helped fuel Reed’s development.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

These smaller urban centers now account for over 57% of China’s total consumption, fueled by digital commerce adoption and lower housing costs that free up budgets for other spending.

Read more on Barron's

These smaller urban centers now account for over 57% of China’s total consumption, fueled by digital commerce adoption and lower housing costs that free up budgets for other spending.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• ammunition 
• electricity 
• food 
• gas 
• material