\Ni`tro*ben"zene\ (? or ?), n. [Nitro- + benzene.]
(Chem.)
A yellow aromatic liquid ({C6H5.NO2}), produced by the action
of nitric acid on benzene, and called from its odor
{imitation oil of bitter almonds}, or {essence of mirbane}.
It is used in perfumery, and is manufactured in large
quantities in the preparation of aniline. Fornerly called
also {nitrobenzol}.