noun

kerosene

paraffin, kerosene

The old lamp burns kerosene.

The old lamp burns paraffin.

Kerosene is used as jet fuel.

Paraffin is used as jet fuel.

((uncountable)) paraffin The lamp needs more paraffin.

Synonyms: paraffin oil, lamp oil. Note: In the UK, 'paraffin' is the common term.

Coined in the 19th century from Greek 'kēros' (wax) + the chemical suffix '-ene'.

Imagine an old-fashioned 'kerosene' lamp lighting up a scene. Remember it's a type of fuel.

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