Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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 : WordNet®

benzene
     n : a colorless liquid hydrocarbon; highly inflammable;
         carcinogenic; the simplest of the aromatic compounds
         [syn: {benzine}, {benzol}]