petroleum

noun

pe·​tro·​leum pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm How to pronounce petroleum (audio)
-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 The rising gas prices in Wisconsin are typical at this time of year and will likely climb the most through April and May, Gas Buddy head of petroleum analysis Patrick De Haan told the Journal Sentinel last week. David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2024 No artificial fragrance, no preservatives, and no petroleum. Brigitt Earley, Allure, 28 Feb. 2024 These include new climate rules for power plants, cars, and heavy-duty trucks, guidelines for how petroleum sources tally and report methane, and a new fee on excess methane emissions. Dan Eberhart, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2024 The nation is the largest oil producer in the Caribbean; according to the World Bank, its petroleum and petrochemicals industry generates more than a third of its gross domestic product. Laris Karklis, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2024 Opulent, a millionaire, cinema tries, with financial means that rival those of the petroleum industry and election campaigns, to recapture its spectators. Elizabeth Barber, Harper's Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 Polypropylene is a type of plastic that comes from petroleum, which may lead to some concerns about its safety in the home. Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2024 Polyester is derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and the production requires significant energy. Sixteen Ramos, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2024 In November 2020, there were 70 foreign vessels suspected in the illicit transfer of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products. Mark D. Wallace, National Review, 4 Jan. 2024

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near petroleum

Cite this Entry

“Petroleum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petroleum. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

petroleum

noun
pe·​tro·​leum pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm How to pronounce petroleum (audio)
-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
: 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

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