ˈbenˌzēn, ˌ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary benz- + -ene
: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C 6 H 6 that burns with a luminous flame, that is usually obtained commercially from the carbonization of coal (as from the light oil from coke-oven gas) or from certain petroleum fractions by catalytic dehydrogenation, and that is used chiefly in organic synthesis (as of styrene, phenol, aniline, and cyclohexane), as a solvent, and as a motor fuel (as for blending with gasoline) — called also benzol