Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Kerosene \Ker"o*sene`\, n. [Gr. ? wax.]
   An oil used for illuminating purposes, formerly obtained from
   the distillation of mineral wax, bituminous shale, etc., and
   hence called also {coal oil}. It is now produced in immense
   quantities, chiefly by the distillation and purification of
   petroleum. It consists chiefly of several hydrocarbons of the
   methane series.

Source : WordNet®

kerosene
     n : a flammable hydrocarbon oil used as fuel in lamps and
         heaters [syn: {kerosine}, {lamp oil}, {coal oil}]