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Translate files Petroleum
/pəˈtroʊliəm/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A highly viscous liquid consisting mostly of hydrocarbons, found in natural deposits, and used as fuel and in the production of chemicals.
Petroleum is a crucial resource for many industries, powering everything from vehicles to heating systems.
Crude oil and its refined products.
The country's economy relies heavily on the export of petroleum and its derivatives.
A liquid mixture of hydrocarbons that is present in geological formations beneath the Earth’s surface.
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
Slang Meanings
Goo
The mechanic referred to the dark sticky substance as goo.
Black gold
In Texas, they often refer to petroleum as black gold because of its value.