gasoline

[gas-uh-leen, gas-uh-leen]

noun

1. a volatile, flammable liquid mixture of hydrocarbons, obtained from petroleum, and used as fuel for internal-combustion engines, as a solvent, etc.

gasoline

/ ˌɡæsəˈlɪnɪk, ˈɡæsəˌliːn /

noun

1. Also called (esp in Britain): petrol. any one of various volatile flammable liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons, mainly hexane, heptane, and octane, obtained from petroleum and used as a solvent and a fuel for internal-combustion engines. Usually petrol also contains additives such as antiknock compounds and corrosion inhibitors

gasoline

1. A highly flammable mixture of liquid hydrocarbons that are derived from petroleum. The hydrocarbons in gasoline contain between five and eight carbon atoms. Gasoline is used as a fuel for internal-combustion engines in automobiles, motorcycles, and small trucks.

Other Word Forms

• gasolineless adjective
• gasolinic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gasoline¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; gas + -ol ² + -ine ²

Example Sentences

If the refinery is offline for a few weeks, it could substantially raise gasoline prices.

From Los Angeles Times

In its announcement, the company also appeared to threaten what this move could mean for California, which has been hurting for gasoline as more and more refineries close.

From Los Angeles Times

Soon after, the shooter set the church ablaze using gasoline or another accelerant, officials said.

From BBC

On Wednesday, his office said the state now has more than 200,000 public and shared electric vehicle charging points throughout the state — with nearly 70% more ports than gasoline nozzles.

From Los Angeles Times

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday signed a sweeping package of climate and environment bills aimed at reducing the cost of electricity, stabilizing gasoline prices and propping up California’s struggling oil industry.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• diesel fuel 
• juice 
• oil 
• petrol