fuel

fu-el · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A material such as coal, gas, or oil that is burned to produce heat or power.

  2. 2.

    To supply with fuel; to provide energy for.

  3. 3.

    Something that sustains or encourages an activity or emotion.

  4. 4.

    To stimulate or intensify something.

Forms

plural: fuels

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    add fuel to the fire — to make a bad situation worse
  • •
    fuel efficiency — the measure of how effectively a vehicle uses fuel
  • •
    fuel up — to fill a vehicle with fuel

Related words

See also: energy, gasoline, oil, petrol
Synonyms: energy source, gasoline, petrol

Etymology

From Old French fouaille ("firewood, fuel"), from Late Latin focalia ("fuel"), from Latin focus ("hearth, fireplace").