hydrocarbons

Cultural  

1. Chemical compounds whose main feature is a long chain of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. Hydrocarbons are organic molecules (see also organic molecule).

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Many hydrocarbons are used as fuels. Some examples of hydrocarbon fuels are the components of gasoline; methane, which is the main ingredient of natural gas; and some components of wood.

Example Sentences

Not the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, not the Gulf’s oil-producing Arab monarchies, and not our Indo-Pacific allies, heavily reliant on Middle Eastern hydrocarbons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Fifty years from now, people are going to be amazed that we burned these rare, useful hydrocarbons for fuel, when the sun was just sitting up there providing an essentially infinite source of energy.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

Oil seep hydrocarbons and oxygen-free mud protected not only bones but also delicate tissues such as skin and cartilage.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

For the Gulf states that ship their precious hydrocarbons through the Strait, this is a non-starter.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

This understandable misconception arises from the fact that — unlike other chlorinated hydrocarbons — DDT in powder form is not readily absorbed through the skin.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson