Real Dictionary

xylene in American English
any of three isomeric, colorless hydrocarbons, C8H10, having the characteristics of benzene and derived from coal tar, wood tar, and petroleum: used as solvents, antiseptics, etc.
noun: any of three oily, colorless, water-insoluble, flammable, toxic, isomeric liquids, C8H10, of the benzene series, obtained mostly from coal tar: used chiefly in the manufacture of dyes

xylene in British English
noun: an aromatic hydrocarbon existing in three isomeric forms, all three being colourless flammable volatile liquids used as solvents and in the manufacture of synthetic resins, dyes, and insecticides; dimethylbenzene. Formula: C6 H4(CH3)2