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petroleum
noun
pe·tro·leum
pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm
-ˈtrōl-yəm
: an oily flammable bituminous liquid that may vary from almost colorless to black, occurs in many places in the upper strata of the earth, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with small amounts of other substances, and is prepared for use as gasoline, naphtha, or other products by various refining processes
Examples of petroleum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However, national average gas prices this week are nearly 70 cents lower than the summer high, reaching the lowest level since 2021, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, in a Tuesday news release.
—Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024
The vote on the table relates to changes in California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, a program designed to reduce the carbon intensity of fuels statewide, decrease petroleum dependency and achieve air quality gains.
—Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 29 Oct. 2024
Getty Images Recent data shows the discount on Russian oil narrowing and exports increasing despite the G-7 price cap on Russian petroleum exports and U.S. sanctions.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2024
The Biden administration slapped fresh sanctions on Iran’s petroleum industry on Friday in retaliation for Tehran’s massive missile attack on Israel last week.
—Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English, "mineral oil," borrowed from Medieval Latin, "mineral oil, crude oil," from Latin petra "rock" (borrowed from Greek pétra) + oleum "oil" — more at petro-, oil entry 1
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of petroleum was
in the 15th century
Phrases Containing petroleum
Dictionary Entries Near petroleum
Cite this Entry
“Petroleum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petroleum. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
petroleum
noun
pe·tro·leum
pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm
-ˈtrōl-yəm
: an oily flammable liquid that may vary from almost colorless to black, is obtained from wells drilled in the ground, and is the source of gasoline, kerosene, fuel oils, and other products
Medical Definition
petroleum
noun
pe·tro·leum
pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm, -ˈtrōl-yəm
: an oily flammable bituminous liquid that may vary from almost colorless to black, occurs in many places in the upper strata of the earth, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with small amounts of other substances, and is prepared for use as gasoline, naphtha, or other products by various refining processes
More from Merriam-Webster on petroleum
Nglish: Translation of petroleum for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of petroleum for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about petroleum
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