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.