Benzene (noun)

A highly flammable liquid hydrocarbon of the aromatic series, present in coal tar and occurring naturally in crude oil, used as a solvent and in the synthesis of chemicals.

Origin:

Mid 19th century: from german, from benzol, an earlier name for the substance + -ene.

Examples:

1. Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet smell.
2. The factory produced large amounts of benzene as a byproduct of the manufacturing process.
3. Benzene is a common ingredient in many industrial solvents.
4. Benzene is a known carcinogen and its exposure should be limited.
5. The spilled liquid was identified as benzene, a highly flammable hydrocarbon.