stilbene: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “stilbene” mean?
A crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon, C14H12, used especially in the manufacture of dyes and optical brighteners.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon, C14H12, used especially in the manufacture of dyes and optical brighteners.
Refers more broadly to a class of organic compounds derived from this structure, many of which have roles in pharmaceuticals, fluorescent dyes, and synthetic chemistry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or pronunciation. The term is identical in both varieties within technical discourse.
Connotations
Purely technical; no connotative variation.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science journals. Frequency is identical in both varieties within those domains.
Grammar
How to Use “stilbene” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] stilbene was [VERB-PAST] to form...Synthesis of [NOUN] from stilbene requires...The fluorescence of stilbene derivatives...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stilbene” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The stilbene core structure was modified.
- They studied the stilbene fluorescence.
American English
- The stilbene scaffold is highly versatile.
- A stilbene derivative showed promising activity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in standard business contexts. May appear in highly technical reports from the chemical or pharmaceutical industries.
Academic
Common in research papers and textbooks within organic chemistry, photochemistry, and materials science.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary register. Used to discuss chemical structures, synthetic pathways, photophysical properties, and industrial applications like dye manufacturing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stilbene”
Strong
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stilbene”
- Misspelling as 'stilbeen' or 'stylbene'.
- Using it as a countable noun in the plural without a clear referent (e.g., 'three stilbenes' is ambiguous without specifying derivatives).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Stilbene itself is a synthetic compound, but many of its derivatives (like resveratrol) occur naturally in plants.
Its primary industrial use is in the manufacture of optical brighteners for paper and textiles, and as a precursor for certain dyes.
The trans isomer is more thermodynamically stable and is often the default structure referred to in synthesis and studies unless specified otherwise.
Indirectly, yes. You might encounter its derivatives as fluorescent whitening agents in laundry detergents or as the active compound resveratrol in dietary supplements.
A crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon, C14H12, used especially in the manufacture of dyes and optical brighteners.
Stilbene is usually technical / scientific in register.
Stilbene: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪl.biːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪlˌbiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'STILt' (like a tall structure) + 'BENE' (as in beneficial). A tall (structurally significant) and beneficial compound in chemistry.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BUILDING BLOCK or SCAFFOLD: Stilbene is often discussed as a fundamental scaffold or framework upon which more complex, functional molecules are built.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'stilbene' most commonly used?