Definition: benzene

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

benzene
     n : a colorless liquid hydrocarbon; highly inflammable;
         carcinogenic [syn: benzine, benzol]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Benzene \Ben"zene\, n. [From Benzoin.] (Chem.)
   A volatile, very inflammable liquid, C6H6, contained in the
   naphtha produced by the destructive distillation of coal,
   from which it is separated by fractional distillation. The
   name is sometimes applied also to the impure commercial
   product or benzole, and also, but rarely, to a similar mixed
   product of petroleum.