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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)