1. a colorless, flammable liquid hydrocarbon (C₆H₆) obtained from coal tar or petroleum, used as a solvent and in the manufacture of many organic compounds.
Usage: chemistry; uncountable

Examples

• Benzene is one of the most important organic chemicals in industry.
• The chemist used benzene as a solvent to dissolve the organic compound.
• Exposure to benzene vapor can be harmful to human health.
• Benzene has a distinctive sweet odor and is highly flammable.
• Many plastics and synthetic fibers are made from benzene derivatives.