petroleum spirit

Petroleum \Pe*tro"le*um\ (p[-e]*tr[=o]"l[-e]*[u^]m), n. [NL.,
   fr. L. petra a rock + oleum oil: cf. F. p['e]trole. Cf.
   {Petrify}, and {Oil}.]
   Rock oil, mineral oil, or natural oil, a dark brown or
   greenish inflammable liquid, which, at certain points, exists
   in the upper strata of the earth, from whence it is pumped,
   or forced by pressure of the gas attending it. It consists of
   a complex mixture of various hydrocarbons, largely of the
   methane series, but may vary much in appearance, composition,
   and properties. It is refined by distillation, and the
   products include kerosene, benzine, gasoline, paraffin, etc.
   [1913 Webster]

   {Petroleum spirit}, a volatile liquid obtained in the
      distillation of crude petroleum at a temperature of
      170[deg] Fahr., or below. The term is rather loosely
      applied to a considerable range of products, including
      benzine and ligroin. The terms petroleum ether, and
      naphtha, are sometimes applied to the still more volatile
      products, including rhigolene, gasoline, cymogene, etc.
      [1913 Webster] Petroleur
    

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.]
      [1913 Webster]

   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]