from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Benzine \Ben"zine\, 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.]
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Note: 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]