noun
toluene
TOL-yoo-een/tˈɔluˌin/
A volatile liquid hydrocarbon used as a solvent and to make other chemicals.
The toluene in the beaker dissolves the resin into a solution.
Etymology
German toluin was named for balsam of Tolu, from which the chemical was first distilled. The solvent's name thus recalls its original plant source.
In context
as a thinner for oil-based finishes xylene will dry faster than mineral spirits and toluene if you can find it will dry faster than xylene so these three solvents give you three levels of customization for your finishing projects
More examples
- Some paint thinners contain toluene.
- Manufacturers use toluene to make other chemicals.
- Toluene evaporates quickly at room temperature.
Forms
toluene
Similar words
- methylbenzene
- Names the same compound by describing its molecular structure.