DCHP-1 Online

kerosene [a coined word based on Gk. kēros wax + -ene]

• n. a distillant of petroleum, used for heating, illumination, and various other purposes.

  See also: albertite  kerosene oil  

  • This term was coined by Dr. Abraham Gesner, 1797-1864, of Halifax, N.S., who developed a process for distilling kerosene from the coal-like mineral albertite.

  • 1852  [Headline] The Kerosene Gas.
  • 1854  (1861)  The product is kerosene, the lightest of which is called A kerosene, and the two succeeding parts B and C kerosene.
  • 1865  If Kerosene has any such destructive effect on trees it would be well for those in the habit of using it indiscriminately to bear the fact in mind.
  • 1912  "Well, I noticed the kerosene demijohn wasn't very hefty the last time I filled the can."
  • 1965  They killed deer constantly for themselves and their dogs, and for fat to supplement kerosene and willow-twig fuel for their heating lamps.