(also kero·sine ) / ˈkerəsiːn; NAmE / noun
[ U ] a type of fuel oil that is made from petroleum and that is used in the engines of planes and for heat and light. In British English it is usually called paraffin when it is used for heat and light :
a kerosene lamp
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 19th cent.: from Greek kēros wax (because the solid form of paraffin is wax-like) + -ene .