toluene

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree German Tolu German Toluinder. English toluene From German Toluin, from Tolu (Tolú) where it was first distilled.

1. A colourless, inflammable liquid hydrocarbon, methylbenzene, CH₃.C₆H₅, used as a solvent, in high-octane fuels and in the production of many chemical compounds.

   “The salon is also a kitchen where, in the back rooms, our women squat on the floor over huge woks that pop and sizzle over electric burners, cauldrons of phở simmer and steam up the cramped spaces with aromas of cloves, cinnamon, ginger, mint, and cardamom mixing with formaldehyde, toluene, acetone, Pine-Sol, and bleach.”