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)

, fu·eled, fu·el·ing or (especially British) fu·elled, fu·el·ling.

1. to supply with fuel.

verb (used without object)

, fu·eled, fu·el·ing or (especially British) fu·elled, fu·el·ling.

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

/ fyo̅o̅′əl /

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.

Derived Forms

• ˈfueller, noun

Other Words From

• fuel·er (especially British) fuel·ler noun
• de·fuel verb (used with object) defueled defueling or (especially British) defuelled defuelling
• non·fuel adjective
• un·fueled (especially British) un·fuelled adjective
• well-fueled (especially British) well-fuelled adjective

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

Wright has questioned some mainstream climate science and criticized calls to reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel production.

From Science Magazine

When he began looking into blue zones, he found new fuel for his skepticism.

From Science Magazine

And universities should fuel creativity and include 'design thinking' in the curriculum.

From Science Daily

That fire was fueled by dry conditions and intense Santa Ana winds.

From Los Angeles Times

If you’re worried about climate change under the next Trump administration, you might consider moving your checking and savings accounts, especially if you’re with a bank that funds fossil fuel projects, Perez said.

From Salon

Related Words

• feed
• incite
• inflame
• sustain