petroleum ether

noun

1. a flammable, low-boiling hydrocarbon mixture produced by the fractional distillation of petroleum, used as a solvent.

petroleum ether

noun

1. a volatile mixture of the higher alkane hydrocarbons, obtained as a fraction of petroleum and used as a solvent

Word History and Origins

Origin of petroleum ether¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

The acid is then neutralized and the paraffine extracted by petroleum ether.

From Project Gutenberg

Then add about 60 cubic centimeters of ether, petroleum ether or 86 degs.

From Project Gutenberg

Petroleum ether, on the other hand, only slightly dissolves it in the cold, more on warming.

From Project Gutenberg

On evaporation of the petroleum ether, the nitro-benzene is left, perhaps mixed with fatty matters.

From Project Gutenberg

Petroleum ether dissolves it by the aid of heat, but the alkaloid separates in crystals on cooling.

From Project Gutenberg