fuel

[fyoo-uhl]

noun

1. combustible matter used to maintain fire, as coal, wood, oil, or gas, in order to create heat or power.

2. something that gives nourishment; food.

3. an energy source for engines, power plants, or reactors.

   Kerosene is used as jet engine fuel.

4. something that sustains or encourages; stimulant.

   Our discussion provided him with fuel for debate.

   Synonyms: stimulus, impetus, sustenance, ammunition

verb (used with object)

fueled, fueling , fuelled, fuelling .

1. to supply with fuel.

verb (used without object)

fueled, fueling , fuelled, fuelling .

1. to obtain or replenish fuel.

fuel

/ fjʊəl /

noun

1. any substance burned as a source of heat or power, such as coal or petrol

2. 1. the material, containing a fissile substance, such as uranium-235, that produces energy in a nuclear reactor

   2. a substance that releases energy in a fusion reactor

3. something that nourishes or builds up emotion, action, etc

verb

1. to supply with or receive fuel

fuel

1. A substance that produces useful energy when it undergoes a chemical or nuclear reaction. Fuel such as coal, wood, oil, or gas provides energy when burned. Compounds in the body such as glucose are broken down into simpler compounds to provide energy for metabolic processes. Some radioactive substances, such as plutonium and tritium, provide energy by undergoing nuclear fission or fusion.

Other Word Forms

• fueller noun
• fueler noun
• defuel verb (used with object)
• nonfuel adjective
• unfueled adjective
• well-fueled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fuel¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English feuel, fuel(le), from Old French feuaile, from Vulgar Latin focālia (unrecorded), neuter plural of focālis (unrecorded) “of the hearth, fuel,” from Latin focus “hearth” ( focus ) + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of fuel¹

C14: from Old French feuaile , from feu fire, ultimately from Latin focus fireplace, hearth

Idioms and Phrases

see add fuel to the fire.

Example Sentences

The effort needed to win points against Alcaraz - especially in a tight second set which you felt he needed to win to stand any chance of turning the match around - guzzled too much fuel.

From BBC

Some work has been done to reduce fuels in the roughly 100-acre stretch of forest, but not all areas were treated.

From Los Angeles Times

“Unlike other kinds of disasters, we have a lot of agency here: … Take out the fuels, reduce the risk,” Lakhina said.

From Los Angeles Times

And, globally, keeping the cost of renewable energy low is important for any firm hoping to electrify industries previously dominated by fossil fuels.

From BBC

Afterwards, hundreds of HHS officials wrote a letter to Kennedy, accusing him of fuelling mistrust in public health officials by spreading misinformation.

From BBC

Related Words

• ammunition 
• electricity 
• food 
• gas 
• material