DCHP-2

kerosene [a coined word based on Gk. kēros wax + -ene] DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

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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.