Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
petroleum
noun
/pəˈtroʊliəm/
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Definition
A liquid mixture of hydrocarbons that is present in certain rock strata and can be extracted and refined to produce fuels and other valuable substances.
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Examples
- The world’s reliance on petroleum has significant environmental implications.
- Many countries depend on petroleum exports for their economies.
- Scientists are seeking alternative energy sources to reduce our dependence on petroleum.
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Meaning
Petroleum is a natural resource that is primarily composed of crude oil and is used as a source of energy and in the production of various products.
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Synonyms
- Crude oil
- Oil
- Black gold