xylene

[ zahy-leen ]

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.

xylene

/ ˈzaɪliːn /

noun

1. 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 Also calledxylol

xylene

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of xylene¹

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

Example Sentences

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

Tom Burke, director of the Johns Hopkins Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, said the sealant included xylenes, chemical compounds often used as solvents that act on the brain and nervous system.

From Washington Post

County officials say the fire involved such toxic chemicals as toluene, xylene, triethanolamine and monoethanolaminealcohol, but air monitors detected no unsafe air pollution levels.

From Washington Times

The disasters poured cancer-causing xylene, benzene and other petrochemicals into the air, nauseating residents.

From Washington Times

The refinery cancelled the xylene portion of the project after completing the part of the project that allowed it to reduce the amount of sulfur in its fuel products, refinery officials said.

From Washington Times