Meaning & Definition of word "Petroleum"
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Petroleum
/pəˈtroʊliəm/
noun:
- 1. A highly viscous liquid consisting mostly of hydrocarbons, found in natural deposits, and used as fuel and in the production of chemicals.
- Example: Petroleum is a crucial resource for many industries, powering everything from vehicles to heating systems.
- 2. Crude oil and its refined products.
- Example: The country's economy relies heavily on the export of petroleum and its derivatives.
- 3. A liquid mixture of hydrocarbons that is present in geological formations beneath the Earth’s surface.
- Example: Geologists conduct surveys to locate potential reservoirs of petroleum.
Etymology
Late Latin 'petroleum', from 'petra' meaning rock and 'oleum' meaning oil.
Common Phrases and Expressions
petroleum industry:
The sector of the economy focused on the extraction and production of petroleum.
petroleum jelly:
A thick, gel-like substance used for skin protection and lubrication.
petroleum engineer:
A professional involved in the extraction and production of petroleum.
Related Words
oil:
A viscous liquid derived from petroleum.
gasoline:
A volatile liquid fuel derived from crude oil.
kerosene:
A type of fuel derived from petroleum, used in heating and aviation.
Slang Meanings of petroleum
Meaning: Goo
Example Sentence: The mechanic referred to the dark sticky substance as goo.
Meaning: Black gold
Example Sentence: In Texas, they often refer to petroleum as black gold because of its value.