Toluene
//ˈtɑl.ju.in// noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A colourless, inflammable liquid hydrocarbon, methylbenzene, CH₃.C₆H₅, used as a solvent, in high-octane fuels and in the production of many chemical compounds. countable, uncountable
"The salon is also a kitchen where, in the back rooms, our women squat on the floor over huge woks that pop and sizzle over electric burners, cauldrons of phở simmer and steam up the cramped spaces with aromas of cloves, cinnamon, ginger, mint, and cardamom mixing with formaldehyde, toluene, acetone, Pine-Sol, and bleach."
- 2 a colorless flammable liquid obtained from petroleum or coal tar; used as a solvent for gums and lacquers and in high-octane fuels wordnet
Example
More examples"This reaction is used industrially to convert toluene to phenol."
Etymology
From German Toluin, from Tolu (Tolú) where it was first distilled.
Related phrases
More for "toluene"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.