ethanol
n. uncountablen. a clear liquid that is the main type of alcohol found in drinks like beer and wine. It is also used as a fuel for cars or to clean things.
n. a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid produced by the fermentation of sugars. Often used as a solvent, a fuel, or the intoxicating agent in alcoholic beverages.
The car runs on a blend of gasoline and ethanol.
Scientists are researching ways to produce ethanol from corn stalks and other plant waste to create sustainable fuel.
While ethanol is primarily recognized as a recreational intoxicant, its industrial utility as a solvent and antiseptic makes it indispensable in modern laboratory and medical settings.
Contracted from ethyl + alcohol. Ethyl is from Ancient Greek αἰθήρ (aithḗr, “ether”), influenced by German Äthyl. May be decomposed as ethane + -ol.
Typically uncountable when referring to the chemical substance; can be countable when referring to different types or blends in a technical context.