fuel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a substance that can be consumed to produce energy
    • more fuel is needed during the winter months
    • they developed alternative fuels for aircraft
  2. verb provide with a combustible substance that provides energy
    • fuel aircraft, ships, and cars
  3. verb provide with fuel
    fire.
    • Oil fires the furnace
  4. verb take in fuel, as of a ship
    • The tanker fueled in Bahrain
  5. verb stimulate
    • fuel the debate on creationism

WordNet

Fu"el noun
Etymology
OF. fouail, fuail, or fouaille, fuaille, LL. focalium, focale, fr. L. focus hearth, fireplace, in LL., fire. See Focus.
Definitions
  2. Any matter used to produce heat by burning; that which feeds fire; combustible matter used for fires, as wood, coal, peat, etc.
  3. Anything that serves to feed or increase passion or excitement.

Webster 1913