from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]