Dictionary-Definition.com :: Fuel definition

Definition of 'fuel'

noun

A substance that can be consumed to produce energy; "more fuel is needed during the winter months"; "they developed alternative fuels for aircraft"

verb

Provide with a combustible substance that provides energy; "fuel aircraft, ships, and cars"

verb

Provide with fuel; "Oil fires the furnace" [syn: fuel, fire]

verb

Take in fuel, as of a ship; "The tanker fueled in Bahrain"

verb

Stimulate; "fuel the debate on creationism"

From: GCIDE

Fuel \Fu"el\, n. [OF. fouail, fuail, or fouaille, fuaille, LL. focalium, focale, fr. L. focus hearth, fireplace, in LL., fire. See Focus.] [Formerly written also fewel.]
1. Any matter used to produce heat by burning; that which feeds fire; combustible matter used for fires, as wood, coal, peat, etc. [1913 Webster]
2. Anything that serves to feed or increase passion or excitement. [1913 Webster]
Artificial fuel, fuel consisting of small particles, as coal dust, sawdust, etc., consolidated into lumps or blocks. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Fuel \Fu"el\, v. t.
1. To feed with fuel. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
Never, alas I the dreadful name, That fuels the infernal flame. --Cowley. [1913 Webster]
2. To store or furnish with fuel or firing. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
Well watered and well fueled. --Sir H. Wotton. [1913 Webster]

Fuel Almost every kind of combustible matter was used for fuel, such as the withered stalks of herbs (Matt. 6:30), thorns (Ps. 58:9; Eccl. 7:6), animal excrements (Ezek. 4:12-15; 15:4, 6; 21:32). Wood or charcoal is much used still in all the towns of Syria and Egypt. It is largely brought from the region of Hebron to Jerusalem. (See COAL.)