: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C6H6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel
Examples of benzene in a Sentence
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Long-term exposure to benzene can affect bone marrow and lead to blood disorders such as leukemia.
—
David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Gas cooking emits toxic chemicals like benzene, a carcinogen, and nitrogen dioxide, a respiratory irritant that can exacerbate asthma, cardiopulmonary disease and other conditions.
—Rachel Nuwer, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Researchers replaced the sensors every week, sending the filters to a lab that analyzed them for measurements of volatile organic compounds like benzene, lead, and black carbon, along with other carcinogens.
—Katharine Gammon, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2025
Shifting away from oil and gas production could also reduce exposure to volatile, DNA-wrecking organic compounds — like benzene and toluene — that are often present in the fossil fuels.
—Saul Elbein, The Hill, 24 Mar. 2025
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David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Gas cooking emits toxic chemicals like benzene, a carcinogen, and nitrogen dioxide, a respiratory irritant that can exacerbate asthma, cardiopulmonary disease and other conditions.
—Rachel Nuwer, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Researchers replaced the sensors every week, sending the filters to a lab that analyzed them for measurements of volatile organic compounds like benzene, lead, and black carbon, along with other carcinogens.
—Katharine Gammon, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2025
Shifting away from oil and gas production could also reduce exposure to volatile, DNA-wrecking organic compounds — like benzene and toluene — that are often present in the fossil fuels.
—Saul Elbein, The Hill, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for benzene
Cite this Entry
“Benzene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzene. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
benzene
noun
ben·zene
ˈben-ˌzēn 
ben-ˈzēn
: a colorless flammable liquid that evaporates easily and is used to make or dissolve other chemicals or as a motor fuel
Medical Definition
: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C6H6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel
called also benzol
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