/ ˈfjuːəl; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ U , C ] any material that produces heat or power, usually when it is burnt :
solid fuel (= wood, coal, etc.)
nuclear fuels
a car with high fuel consumption
—see also fossil fuel
2.
[ U ] a thing that is said or done that makes sth, especially an argument, continue or get worse :
The new information adds fuel to the debate over safety procedures.
The revelations gave new fuel to angry opponents of the proposed law.
His remarks simply added fuel to the fire / flames of her rage.
■ verb ( -ll- , US -l- )
1.
[ vn ] to supply sth with material that can be burnt to produce heat or power :
Uranium is used to fuel nuclear plants.
oil-fuelled power stations
2.
fuel (sth) (up) to put petrol / gas into a vehicle :
[ vn ]
The helicopter was already fuelled (up) and ready to go.
[also v ]
3.
[ vn ] to increase sth; to make sth stronger
SYN stoke :
to fuel speculation / rumours / fears
Higher salaries helped to fuel inflation.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French fouaille , based on Latin focus hearth (in late Latin fire).