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

It showed the impacts are much more visible in the Southern Hemisphere, where there is more ocean and less human activity, and therefore the presence of sulfur from the burning of fossil fuels is lower.

From Science Daily

It said the vessel had enough fuel to sail to Australia, on what was believed to be a new smuggling route, and maps indicated that is where it was headed.

From BBC

Food became more than just fuel; it became a reminder of the extraordinary within the ordinary.

From Salon

Scottish pensioners who lost out on winter fuel payments this year are to receive a new Holyrood benefit next year, the government has confirmed.

From BBC

Applications for pension credit - allowing low-income pensioners to also receive winter fuel payments - have seen a sharp rise since the government announced cost-cutting plans.

From BBC

Related Words

• feed
• incite
• inflame
• sustain