kerosene

Everyday

1. Kerosene is a thin, clear oil made from petroleum that is burned as fuel in lamps, heaters, stoves and jet engines. tree →
2. (Australia, USA, Canada) Kerosene is the usual name for paraffin oil; in the UK it is often called paraffin. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons kerosene lamps lit homes before electricity. In science it is a fossil fuel, a flammable liquid. Planes run on jet fuel, which is mostly kerosene. In safety lessons it must be kept away from children and flames. Phrases: «kerosene lamp», «kerosene heater».

Examples

• Before electricity, people read by kerosene lamps. tree →
• Jet planes burn a fuel made mainly of kerosene. tree →
• The cabin was heated by a kerosene stove. tree →
• Kerosene is flammable, so keep it away from flames. tree →
• Never drink kerosene; call for help at once if a child swallows some. tree →
• In the UK, kerosene is often called paraffin. tree →
• At nightfall he ran into Teddy’s nursery to watch how kerosene lamps were lighted, and when Teddy went to bed Rikki-tikki climbed up too. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Also spelled «kerosine» in some technical texts. UK «paraffin» = US/Australian «kerosene»; in the USA «paraffin» usually means paraffin wax. Swallowing it is very dangerous: get emergency help, do not make the person sick.