Kerosene, also known as
lamp oil, is a
combustible hydrocarbon liquid widely used as a fuel in industry and households. Its name derives from (
keros) meaning
wax, and was registered as a trademark by
Abraham Gesner in 1854 before evolving into a
genericized trademark. It is sometimes spelled
kerosine in scientific and industrial usage. The term "kerosene" is common in much of India, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia and
New Zealand.