PETROLEUM Meaning and
Definition
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Petroleum is a noun that refers to a flammable hydrocarbon oil consisting mainly of a mixture of complex organic compounds, found beneath the Earth's surface and extracted for various purposes. It is a fossil fuel formed from the remnants of ancient marine organisms, typically in sedimentary rocks, over millions of years.
Petroleum is a vital energy source and plays a crucial role in many industries and daily life activities. It is commonly used as a fuel for transportation, including cars, airplanes, and ships, as well as for heating and generating electricity. It is also a key component in the production of various products, such as plastics, fertilizers, lubricants, and chemicals.
The extraction and processing of petroleum involve drilling wells and utilizing sophisticated techniques to extract the oil from underground reservoirs. Once drilled, the petroleum is typically refined through a complex process known as oil refining. This process separates the different components of petroleum into various fractions, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and others, each with its specific properties and uses.
Due to its limited and non-renewable nature, concerns about the environmental consequences of its extraction and use, such as air pollution and climate change, have grown. Efforts to develop sustainable alternatives and reduce reliance on petroleum are ongoing, including the promotion of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
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Rock oil, coal oil, mineral oil, a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons found in the earth in various parts of the world; its source is uncertain but it is most commonly believed to be derived from fossilized animal remains; the petroleum of the United States is from rocks of the Devonian period, the Russian petroleum from tertiary formations; besides its use for lighting and heating purposes petroleum is the source of vaseline.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A liquid mineral pitch of a dark yellowish-brown colour, so called from its oozing out of several strata like oil; known also as mineral oil.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PETROLEUM *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for PETROLEUM
Etymology of PETROLEUM
The word "petroleum" originates from the Latin words "petra" (meaning rock) and "oleum" (meaning oil). The term was first used in the late 14th century by the German mineralogist Georgius Agricola to describe a thick, flammable substance found in the earth that resembled oil. The word gained more recognition in the 18th century during the development of the petroleum industry.
Similar spelling words for PETROLEUM
- petroleum-based,
- petroliam,
- Petrillose,
- petroluem,
- petrolatum,
- petrol bomb,
- petrol,
- petroleum-gas,
- petrology,
- Petrealeum,
- petrel,
- non-petroleum.
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