gasohol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “gasohol” mean?
A fuel consisting of a blend of petrol/gasoline and alcohol (typically ethanol).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fuel consisting of a blend of petrol/gasoline and alcohol (typically ethanol).
A motor fuel produced by mixing unleaded petrol/gasoline with ethanol, usually in a proportion of 90% gasoline to 10% ethanol (E10), used to reduce petroleum consumption and increase fuel octane.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more common in American English, especially in technical and policy contexts. In the UK, 'bioethanol blend' or specific 'E' ratings are often used.
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with renewable energy, agricultural policy, and alternative fuels. It can have political/economic connotations related to farming subsidies and environmental policy.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both varieties. Higher frequency in American English within energy sector, agricultural, and environmental reporting.
Grammar
How to Use “gasohol” in a Sentence
[N] production[V] to produce [N][V] to mandate [N][Adj] [N] blenda blend of [N] and [N]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gasohol” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new regulations will require fuel suppliers to gasohol a percentage of their petrol by 2030.
- We cannot simply gasohol our way out of the energy crisis.
American English
- The state mandates gasoholing all regular-grade fuel sold after July.
- Some older engines may not run well if you gasohol them.
adverb
British English
- The car ran gasoholly, with no noticeable drop in performance.
- The policy was implemented gasoholly across the region.
American English
- The vehicle was designed to run gasoholly on various blends.
- The fuel is produced gasoholly to strict specifications.
adjective
British English
- The gasohol mandate has been controversial among motoring groups.
- We need to consider the gasohol feedstock supply chain.
American English
- Gasohol pumps are clearly marked at the service station.
- The gasohol tax credit expired last year.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports on energy markets, agricultural commodities, and automotive industry forecasts.
Academic
Appears in environmental science, agricultural economics, and energy policy literature.
Everyday
Rare. Might be encountered on fuel pumps or in news articles about fuel prices and green initiatives.
Technical
Standard term in chemical engineering, automotive engineering, and renewable energy sectors.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gasohol”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gasohol”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gasohol”
- Pronouncing it as 'gas-oh-hole'. Misusing it to refer to pure ethanol (E100) or biodiesel. Confusing it with 'gasoline'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Gasohol' is a general term for gasoline-ethanol blends. E85 is a specific high-ethanol blend (85% ethanol). Common gasohol like E10 contains only 10% ethanol.
Most modern petrol/gasoline vehicles are designed to run on low-percentage blends like E10. However, older cars, classic cars, and some models may require modification or should avoid it. Always check the vehicle manual.
Potential advantages include higher octane rating (improving engine performance), reduced greenhouse gas emissions (from the bio-based ethanol), and decreased reliance on pure fossil fuels.
Controversies include the 'food vs. fuel' debate (using crops for fuel instead of food), the net energy gain/loss in production, and its impact on land use and biodiversity.
A fuel consisting of a blend of petrol/gasoline and alcohol (typically ethanol).
Gasohol is usually formal, technical, journalistic in register.
Gasohol: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæs.ə.hɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæs.əˌhɔːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “run on gasohol”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GASoline + alcoHOL = GASOHOL. Think of filling your car's gas tank with a mix that includes alcohol.
Conceptual Metaphor
FUEL IS A HYBRID/CONCOCTION (a blended substance, a mixture of the traditional and the new).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary alcohol component in most commercial gasohol?