gasoline

Pronunciation: /ˈɡæs.ə.liːn/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a volatile flammable mixture of hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane and octane etc.) derived from petroleum; used mainly as a fuel in internal-combustion engines

Etymology

From gas + -ol (suffix used in the names of oils) + -ine (suffix used in the names of derivatives). So called because it was originally used in the manufacture and enrichment of domestic gases, such as air gas. Some sources suggest that the name originated from the brand name Cazeline, a petroleum-derived lighting oil, from the surname of the man who first marketed it in 1862, John Cassell, and the suffix –eline, from Greek ἔλαιον (élaion, “oil, olive oil”), from ἐλαία (elaía, “olive”). Gasolene is found from 1863, and gasoline from 1864.

In classic literature

Synonyms

gasolene, gas, petrol

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
hydrocarbon, fuel
Narrower (hyponyms)
unleaded gasoline, napalm, leaded gasoline

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