kerosene

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a flammable hydrocarbon oil used as fuel in lamps and heaters

   I heat my house with kerosene fuel.

2. 2
   noun

   A thin, often colorless or blue or straw-colored petroleum-based fuel, heavier than gasoline/petrol or naphtha but lighter than diesel, used primarily as jet fuel but also for heating and lighting in some remote or impoverished areas.

   The kerosene lasted all winter, so the furnace kept us always warm.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek κηρός (kērós, “wax”) + -ene; a name trademarked in 1854.