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. 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 Also called (esp in Britain)petrol

gasoline

/ găs′ə-lēn′ /

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.

Derived Forms

• gasolinic, adjective

Other Words From

• gaso·lineless adjective
• gas·o·lin·ic [gas-, uh, -, lee, -nik, -, lin, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gasoline¹

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

Example Sentences

Garcia focused heavily on California’s high cost of living and gasoline — a potent message in a commuter district where many residents who are drawn by cheaper housing but commute two hours or more to work in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

Oil giant Phillips 66 announced last month that late next year it will close the twin refineries in Carson and Wilmington that produce about 8% of the state’s gasoline.

From Los Angeles Times

Someone called 911 and threatened to ‘blow up’ the TransLatin@ Coalition on Wilshire Boulevard, with ‘gasoline or plane.’

From Los Angeles Times

Mixed messaging from the government also led to the politicization of public health, which added gasoline to an already flaming issue.

From Salon

Even after the debate poured gasoline on the fire, Biden and his allies spent a month resisting calls for him to step aside, leaving Harris with just over three months to define her candidacy.

From Salon

Related Words

• diesel fuel
• juice
• oil
• petrol