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

The Welsh Government is also providing funding to the Fuel Bank Foundation, a charity which supports people who have to pre-pay for their fuel and are at risk of disconnection.

From BBC

The upcoming Budget has loomed over the conference, fuelling speculation of tax rises, which most economists think are likely.

From BBC

Decades of homebuilding in forests and foothills have left millions of residents exposed as climate change fuels longer, hotter and drier fire seasons.

From Los Angeles Times

To understand Arbor’s innovation, start with coal plants, which burn fossil fuels to heat up water and produce steam that turns a turbine to generate electricity.

From Los Angeles Times

The country's largest Indigenous rights group leading a strike over fuel subsidy cuts said a member was shot dead by the armed forces during protests.

From BBC

Related Words

• ammunition 
• electricity 
• food 
• gas 
• material