/ben"zeen, ben zeen"/ , n. Chem.
a colorless, volatile, flammable, toxic, slightly water-soluble, liquid, aromatic compound, C 6 H 6 , obtained chiefly from coal tar: used in the manufacture of commercial and medicinal chemicals, dyes, and as a solvent for resins, fats, or the like.
[ 1825-35; BENZ(OIC ACID) + -ENE ]