cero-, cer-, kero-, keri-

A complex fossilized organic material that exists in sedimentary rock and which is insoluble in organic solvents: "Kerogen yields petroleum products; such as, oil and natural gas, when it is distilled."

1. A thin oil distilled from petroleum or shale oil, used as a fuel for heating and cooking, in lamps, and as a denaturant for alcohol.

Also called coal oil, lamp oil. 2. Etymology: from 1852, coined in Canada by Abraham Gesner, who discovered how to distill it about 1846, from Greek keros, "wax" + chemical suffix -ene. So called because it contains paraffin.

A misspelling of kerosene.

The treatment of burns and denuded surfaces with wax or paraffin preparations.

A candlestick with three lights, symbolizing the Trinity and used by Greek bishops blessing people.