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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
Made from petroleum and chemically known as erythrosine, red dye No. 3 is a synthetic color additive used to give foods and beverages a cherry-red color.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025
The move comes on top of prior decisions to block drilling on 13 million acres within the petroleum reserve and reverse a Trump-era decision to open up 80 percent of it for oil and gas production.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025
This artificial dye, which is made from petroleum and had been found to cause cancer in rats, was removed in response to a 2022 petition from the Center for Science in the Public Interest and other advocacy groups.
—Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 16 Jan. 2025
It’s made from petroleum and was approved for foods in 1907.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 15 Jan. 2025
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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 20 Jan. 2025.
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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