aniline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “aniline” mean?
A poisonous, oily, colourless liquid compound derived from benzene, used in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A poisonous, oily, colourless liquid compound derived from benzene, used in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.
The chemical substance phenylamine (C₆H₅NH₂); also refers to dyes, colours, or products derived from it (e.g., aniline dyes).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in specialised contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “aniline” in a Sentence
aniline + NOUN (dye, derivative)PREP (derived from/of aniline)VERB (produce, synthesise, purify) + anilineVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aniline” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The aniline dye process created vibrant purples and magentas.
- They tested for aniline derivatives in the sample.
American English
- The fabric was colored with aniline dye.
- Aniline exposure requires strict safety protocols.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports for chemical manufacturing, dye industry, or pharmaceutical supply chains.
Academic
Common in chemistry, chemical engineering, industrial history, and material science papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in organic chemistry, dye chemistry, and industrial toxicology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aniline”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aniline”
- Mispronunciation: stressing the second syllable (a-NI-line). Incorrect pluralisation (*anilines) for the substance; the plural refers to types of aniline dyes.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Aniline was first isolated from indigo (a natural source) but is now produced synthetically from petroleum derivatives like benzene.
It is toxic, can be absorbed through the skin, and is a suspected carcinogen. It also can cause methemoglobinemia, reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
A high-quality leather dyed with soluble aniline dyes, which penetrates fully and shows the natural grain, unlike pigmented finishes.
In 1856, William Henry Perkin oxidised impure aniline to create mauveine, the first synthetic purple dye, launching the synthetic organic chemical industry.
A poisonous, oily, colourless liquid compound derived from benzene, used in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.
Aniline is usually technical/scientific in register.
Aniline: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ɪ.lɪːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.lɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AN ILl' (A Nitrogen In Liquid) – A Nitrogen-containing IL-Liquid, used in dyes.
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORICAL INNOVATION (the discovery of aniline dyes revolutionised colour production).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary industrial use of aniline?