Word
ethanol
US/ˈɛθəˌnɔɫ/
UK/ˈɛθɐnˌɒl/
Definitions
01chemical compound
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the scientific name for the alcohol found in drinks and used in laboratories.
n. a simple aliphatic alcohol formally derived from ethane; it is the primary intoxicating ingredient in alcoholic beverages.
“The lab technician used ethanol to clean the glass slides before the experiment.”
“The concentration of ethanol in the solution was measured precisely to ensure the chemical reaction proceeded without unwanted side effects.”
Synonyms
02fuel source
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. a type of alcohol used as a clean fuel for cars and machines.
n. a renewable fuel source typically produced from corn or sugarcane, often blended with gasoline to reduce carbon emissions.
“Many modern cars are designed to run on a mixture of gasoline and ethanol.”
“Government subsidies for ethanol production have sparked significant debate regarding the balance between renewable energy needs and global food security.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Each one gets preserved in a jar of ethanol and sent to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to have its DNA extracted.” “Czech researchers at Charles University in Prague, led by Pavla Eliášová, have developed an advanced photocathode that helps convert the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into pure ethanol using sunlight.” Etymology
Contracted from ethyl + alcohol. Ethyl is from Ancient Greek αἰθήρ (aithḗr, “ether”), influenced by German Äthyl. May be decomposed as ethane + -ol.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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