Meaning of FUEL in English

/ ˈfjuːəl; NAmE / noun , verb

■ noun


[ U , C ] any material that produces heat or power, usually when it is burnt :

solid fuel (= wood, coal, etc.)

nuclear fuels

a car with high fuel consumption

—see also fossil fuel


[ U ] a thing that is said or done that makes sth, especially an argument, continue or get worse :

The new information adds fuel to the debate over safety procedures.



■ verb ( -ll- , US -l- )


[ vn ] to supply sth with material that can be burnt to produce heat or power :

Uranium is used to fuel nuclear plants.

oil-fuelled power stations


fuel (sth) (up) to put petrol / gas into a vehicle :

[ vn ]

The helicopter was already fuelled (up) and ready to go.

[also v ]


[ vn ] to increase sth; to make sth stronger

SYN stoke :

to fuel speculation / rumours / fears

Higher salaries helped to fuel inflation.



Middle English : from Old French fouaille , based on Latin focus hearth (in late Latin fire).
