Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈɡæsəˌliːn/

Definitions

• Noun: A volatile, flammable liquid mixture derived from petroleum, used primarily as a fuel in internal combustion engines.
• Noun: A liquid fuel composed mainly of hydrocarbons, derived from crude oil, used in cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles.

Usage Examples

• "The car ran out of gasolene and needed to be refueled before continuing the trip."
• "The price of gasolene has significantly increased in the past few months due to global oil price fluctuations."

Etymology

Gasolene comes from the term "gas" (referring to its gaseous form in early chemistry) and "-olene," which is derived from the chemical suffix for hydrocarbons, "-ene." The word was first used in the 19th century, coinciding with the development of petroleum refining processes, and has been used predominantly in North American English. In other parts of the world, "gasoline" is the preferred spelling.

Synonyms

• Gas
• Petrol (British English)
• Fuel

Antonyms

• Electricity (for electric vehicles)
• Diesel (a different type of fuel)

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In the United States, "gasolene" is commonly pronounced as /ˈɡæsəˌliːn/, while in the UK, "gasoline" is typically referred to as "petrol," and the pronunciation differs slightly to reflect regional linguistic preferences. In some areas of the world, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia, "gasolene" is often used interchangeably with "gas" or "fuel."

Historical Usage

The term "gasolene" became widely used in the late 19th century when refined oil products were first used for internal combustion engines. The rise of the automobile industry, along with the development of mass production by companies like Ford, made gasolene a staple in modern transportation. Since then, it has become synonymous with fuel for vehicles and is a critical part of the global energy infrastructure.

Cultural Nuances

In countries where vehicles run predominantly on gasoline (gasolene), the price of this fuel is a major part of everyday life. Rising gasolene prices can have significant social and political impacts, especially in countries heavily dependent on automobile travel. The environmental impact of gasoline use has also been a major point of contention, with many cultures pushing for cleaner energy sources like electric vehicles.

More Information

Gasolene remains one of the most widely used fuels globally, despite growing concerns over climate change and environmental sustainability. Innovations in cleaner gasoline alternatives, such as ethanol blends and other biofuels, are being explored to reduce the environmental impact of gasolene. As the world transitions toward renewable energy sources, gasolene is expected to remain a central energy source for the foreseeable future, though its usage may decline with the rise of electric vehicles and alternative fuel sources.