gasoline
gasoline Lexical Profile
gasoline Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A volatile, flammable liquid obtained from the refinement of petroleum, used primarily as fuel in internal-combustion engines.
"The price of gasoline sharply increased during the summer travel season."
North American A specific grade or chemical blend of this liquid fuel.
"Modern aviation gasolines are formulated with specific additives to prevent freezing at high altitudes."
Word Nuance & Usage
In North American English, 'gasoline' (often shortened to 'gas') is the standard term for motor fuel, whereas British and Commonwealth English exclusively use 'petrol'.
• Rhymes for gasoline
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the 1860s, likely derived from 'gas' combined with the Latin 'oleum' (oil) and the chemical suffix '-ine'. It was originally used as a trade name for an illuminant before becoming the primary term for internal-combustion engine fuel in North America.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.