1. [n]  a substance that can be burned to provide heat or power; "more fuel is needed during the winter months"; "they developed alternative fuels for aircraft"
2. [v]  stimulate; "fuel the debate on creationism"
3. [v]  take in fuel, as of a ship; "The tanker fueled in Bahrain"
4. [v]  provide with fuel; as of aircraft, ships, and cars
5. [v]  provide with fuel; "Oil fires the furnace"

1. \Fu"el\, n. [OF. fouail, fuail, or fouaille, fuaille, LL.
   focalium, focale, fr. L. focus hearth, fireplace, in LL.,
   fire. See {Focus}.] [Formerly written also {fewel.}]
   1. Any matter used to produce heat by burning; that which
      feeds fire; combustible matter used for fires, as wood,
      coal, peat, etc.
   2. Anything that serves to feed or increase passion or
      excitement.
   {Artificial fuel}, fuel consisting of small particles, as
      coal dust, sawdust, etc., consolidated into lumps or
      blocks.
   

2. \Fu"el\, v. t.
   1. To feed with fuel. [Obs.]
            Never, alas I the dreadful name, That fuels the
            infernal flame.                       --Cowley.
   2. To store or furnish with fuel or firing. [Obs.]
            Well watered and well fueled.         --Sir H.
                                                  Wotton.
   

Almost every kind of combustible matter was used for fuel, such as the withered stalks of herbs (Matt. 6:30), thorns (Ps. 58:9; Eccl. 7:6), animal excrements (Ezek. 4:12-15; 15:4, 6; 21:32). Wood or charcoal is much used still in all the towns of Syria and Egypt. It is largely brought from the region of Hebron to Jerusalem. (See COAL.)