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hydrocarbon
noun
hy·dro·car·bon
ˈhī-drō-ˌkär-bən
: an organic compound (such as acetylene or butane) containing only carbon and hydrogen and often occurring in petroleum, natural gas, coal, and bitumens
Examples of hydrocarbon in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2020, Aramco made the world’s first shipment, to Japan, of blue ammonia—liquified hydrogen created from hydrocarbons.
—Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 23 May 2024
Natural gas and oil reserves are expected to turn the tiny coastal country into a hydrocarbon power in Africa.
—Elian Peltier Annika Hammerschlag, New York Times, 18 May 2024
Henry confirmed that vacuum gas oil, which is a combination of hydrocarbons and additives to various kinds of fuel, was leaked into the water.
—Robbie Farias, USA TODAY, 15 May 2024
So long as the bloc continues to depend heavily on fossil fuels, Norwegian hydrocarbons will be essential to keeping the lights on in Europe.
—Priscila Azevedo Rocha, Fortune Europe, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for hydrocarbon
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hydrocarbon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1826, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing hydrocarbon
Dictionary Entries Near hydrocarbon
Cite this Entry
“Hydrocarbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrocarbon. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
hydrocarbon
noun
hy·dro·car·bon
ˌhī-drə-ˈkär-bən
: a compound containing only carbon and hydrogen
More from Merriam-Webster on hydrocarbon
Nglish: Translation of hydrocarbon for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hydrocarbon
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