hydrocracking

[ hahy-druh-krak-ing ]

noun

1. the cracking crack of petroleum or the like in the presence of hydrogen.

hydrocracking

/ hī′drə-krăk′ĭng /

1. A process by which the hydrocarbon molecules of petroleum are broken into simpler molecules, as of gasoline or kerosene, by the addition of hydrogen under high pressure and in the presence of a catalyst.
2. See also cracking

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrocracking¹

First recorded in 1935–40; hydro- ² + cracking