n. [ From Benzoin. ] (Chem.) 1. A liquid consisting mainly of the lighter and more volatile hydrocarbons of petroleum or kerosene oil, used as a solvent and for cleansing soiled fabrics; -- called also petroleum spirit, petroleum benzine. Varieties or similar products are gasoline, naphtha, rhigolene, ligroin, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Same as Benzene. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The hydrocarbons of benzine proper are essentially of the marsh gas (paraffin) series, while benzene proper is the typical hydrocarbon of the aromatic series. [ 1913 Webster ]