First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
petroleum
noun pe·tro·leum \pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm, -ˈtrōl-yəm\
: a kind of oil that comes from below the ground and that is the source of gasoline and other products
Full Definition of PETROLEUM
: an oily flammable bituminous liquid that may vary from almost colorless to black, occurs in many places in the upper strata of the earth, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with small amounts of other substances, and is prepared for use as gasoline, naphtha, or other products by various refining processes
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Origin of PETROLEUM
Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin petr- + oleum oil — more at oil
PETROLEUM Defined for Kids
petroleum
noun pe·tro·leum \pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm, -ˈtrōl-yəm\
Definition of PETROLEUM for Kids
: a raw oil that is obtained from wells drilled in the ground and that is the source of gasoline, kerosene, and other oils used for fuel
Medical Dictionary
petroleum
noun pe·tro·leum \pə-ˈtrō-lē-əm, -ˈtrōl-yəm\
Medical Definition of PETROLEUM
: an oily flammable bituminous liquid that may vary from almost colorless to black, occurs in many places in the upper strata of the earth, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with small amounts of other substances, and is prepared for use as gasoline, naphtha, or other products by various refining processes
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