# ethanol

/ˈɛθəˌnɔɫ/ (US) · /ˈɛθɐnˌɒl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ethanol
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 2. fuel

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a type of liquid fuel made from plants that can power car engines.

For teachers: ethyl alcohol used as a biofuel additive or standalone fuel for internal combustion engines.

- Many petrol stations now sell fuel that contains ten percent ethanol.
- The government introduced subsidies for farmers growing corn specifically for ethanol production to reduce the nation's reliance on imported petroleum.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.