Kerosene, often known as paraffin or lamp oil, is a flammable liquid hydrocarbon found in petroleum. It is a common domestic fuel and is also utilized extensively in the aviation industry. Greek: (keros) means "wax," and Canadian geologist and inventor Abraham Gesner registered the word as a trademark in 1854; it has now become a generic trademark. Kerosene oil is a versatile, reliable, cost-effective, and safe heating fuel used for several purposes at the domestic and commercial levels. Master kerosene's meaning, properties, and real-life applications. Learn easily with Vedantu-boost your chemistry skills today! Kerosene Background Kerosene is an oil distillate commonly used as a fuel or solvent. It is a thin, clear liquid consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons that boil between 302°F and 527°F (150°C and 275°C). While kerosene can be extracted from coal, oil shale, and wood, it is primarily derived from refined petroleum. Before electric lights became popular, kerosene was widely used in oil lamps and was one of the most important refinery products. Today kerosene is primarily used as a ...