Kerosene
['kerəsiːn] or ['kɛrəsin]
Definition
(noun.) a flammable hydrocarbon oil used as fuel in lamps and heaters.
Editor: Terence--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) An oil used for illuminating purposes, formerly obtained from the distillation of mineral wax, bituminous shale, etc., and hence called also coal oil. It is now produced in immense quantities, chiefly by the distillation and purification of petroleum. It consists chiefly of several hydrocarbons of the methane series.
Inputed by Bennett
Definition
n. an oil obtained from bituminous coal used for lamps &c.
Inputed by Hodge
Unserious Contents or Definition
An alleged provider of heat and light. From Lat. carus, meaning expensive and seneo, to be weak; expensive but weak. For further explanation, consult Standard Oil Company.
Inputed by Cecile
Examples
- The principle of the lamp is similar to that of the candle, except that the wick is saturated with kerosene or oil rather than with fat. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- Two large barges of kerosene were sent into the tunnel, and an air pipe connected to them. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- Lately, the internal combustion engine, together with its application in the kerosene tractor, promises to make the farmer’s emancipation practically complete. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- Comment is made on kerosene and its cost, and all kinds of general statistics are jotted down as desirable. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- From a number of experiments it was found that when a grenade, or a bottle containing a strong brine, was broken in the midst of the burning kerosene the flames were almost instantly extinguished. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
- The cement commonly used for fastening the tops on kerosene lamps is plaster of Paris, which is porous, quickly penetrated by the kerosene, and readily destroyed. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
- In front of these three young women are placed a dozen strong kerosene lamps provided with reflectors. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
- Fire risk is reduced to a minimum, because there are no matches, no kindlings, no kerosene cans, no oil barrels and nothing of the sort to endanger life and property. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- Some have recommended using kerosene for an inside coating. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
Edited by Leopold