hydrocarbon

noun

hy·​dro·​car·​bon ˈhī-drō-ˌkär-bən How to pronounce hydrocarbon (audio)
: an organic compound (such as acetylene or butane) containing only carbon and hydrogen and often occurring in petroleum, natural gas, coal, and bitumens

Examples of hydrocarbon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Enlarge / Ligeia Mare, the second-largest body of liquid hydrocarbons on Titan. Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 25 June 2024 Instead, Titan’s rivers and seas are filled with a mix of light hydrocarbons, mostly methane and ethane—and a new study suggests that those liquid bodies may play host to waves that have shaped their coastlines via erosion. Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 20 June 2024 According to Huff, this makes the Tomahawk a versatile engine, reducing its emissions when burning regular hydrocarbon fuel via improved efficiency, as well as being able to operate on an emissions-free fuel in hydrogen. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 6 June 2024 With backing from its government, the Japanese auto industry has continued to explore hydrogen as an alternative vehicle energy source instead of liquid hydrocarbons or batteries. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 5 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for hydrocarbon 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hydrocarbon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrocarbon was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near hydrocarbon

Cite this Entry

“Hydrocarbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrocarbon. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

hydrocarbon

noun
hy·​dro·​car·​bon ˌhī-drə-ˈkär-bən How to pronounce hydrocarbon (audio)
: a compound containing only carbon and hydrogen

Medical Definition

hydrocarbon

noun
hy·​dro·​car·​bon -ˈkär-bən How to pronounce hydrocarbon (audio)
: an organic compound (as acetylene, benzene, or butane) containing only carbon and hydrogen and often occurring in petroleum, natural gas, coal, and bitumens

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrocarbon

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