French word

benzène

Pronunciation

IPA/bɛ̃zɛn/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbenzene

Example

Le benzène est dangereux pour la santé.

Benzene is dangerous to health.

Illustration for benzène (benzene)

More examples

On a trouvé du benzène près de l'usine.

Benzene was found near the factory.

Core concept

A volatile, flammable liquid molecule built around a six-carbon ring.

Similar words

solvant: A liquid used to dissolve other substances.
produit chimique: A chemical substance used in industry or laboratory work.
produit pétrolier: A product made from petroleum as a raw material.

Definition in French

Composé organique aromatique formé d'un noyau hexagonal de six atomes de carbone liés (C6H6), liquide volatil et inflammable employé comme solvant industriel et matière première.

Word origin

The nineteenth-century name benzène was formed from benzo-, linked to benzoin and benzoic acid, with the hydrocarbon suffix -ène.

Usage tips

  • Benzène is masculine, so standard phrases include le benzène and du benzène.

Word lists with this word