xylene

[ zahy-leen ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of three oily, colorless, water-insoluble, flammable, toxic, isomeric liquids, C 8 H 10 , of the benzene series, obtained mostly from coal tar: used chiefly in the manufacture of dyes.

xylene

/ ˈzaɪliːn /

noun

1. an aromatic hydrocarbon existing in three isomeric forms, all three being colourless flammable volatile liquids used as solvents and in the manufacture of synthetic resins, dyes, and insecticides; dimethylbenzene. Formula: C 6 H 4 (CH 3 ) 2 Also calledxylol

xylene

/ zī-lēn′,zī′lēn′ /

1. A flammable hydrocarbon obtained from wood and coal tar. Xylene consists of a benzene ring with two methyl (CH 3 ) groups attached, and occurs in three isomeric forms. It is used as a solvent, in jet fuel, and in the manufacture of dyes, fibers, perfumes, and films. Chemical formula: C 8 H 10 .
2. A mixture of xylene isomers used as a solvent in making lacquers and rubber cement and as an aviation fuel.

Word History and Origins

Origin of xylene¹

1850–55; < Greek xýl ( on ) wood + -ene

Example Sentences

Apart from the softening point the pitch is all the more valued the more constituents it contains which are soluble in xylene.

From Project Gutenberg

The musk deer may now be saved from extinction since we can make tri-nitro-butyl-xylene from coal tar.

From Project Gutenberg

So is xylene, a chemical which will readily clean grease and fatty matter from the fingers.

From Project Gutenberg

The fingers should be wiped very lightly with either soap and water or xylene, always following the ridge contours.

From Project Gutenberg

If the substance dries too fast to permit proper photographing, the skin should be photographed while immersed in the xylene.

From Project Gutenberg