xylene

American  

[zahy-leen] / ˈzaɪ lin /

Also xylol

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.

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xylene British  

/ ˈzaɪliːn /

noun

1. Also called: xylol.  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

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xylene Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of xylene

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

Example Sentences

Wells, storage tanks and other equipment release a mix of particularly hazardous petroleum-based gases known as BTEX, for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2023

The agency noted Tesla’s use of toxic chemicals in its paint shop — formaldehyde, ethylbenzene, naphthalene, and xylene, “known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious side effects.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2022

Toluene and xylene are important solvents and raw materials in the chemical industry.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Four markers were sent to the laboratory, and two dry-erase ones tested positive for a group of compounds often found in petroleum products and known as B.T.E.X.: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene.

From New York Times • Aug. 8, 2018

The fingers are then placed in xylene for about an hour or until the xylene has overcome the reaction of the acetone.

From The Science of Fingerprints Classification and Uses by Hoover, J. Edgar (John Edgar)