natural gas

American  

noun

1. a combustible mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons that accumulates in porous sedimentary rocks, especially those yielding petroleum, consisting usually of over 80 percent methane together with minor amounts of ethane, propane, butane, nitrogen, and, sometimes, helium: used as a fuel and to make carbon black, acetylene, and synthesis gas.

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natural gas British  

noun

1. a gaseous mixture consisting mainly of methane trapped below ground; used extensively as a fuel

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natural gas Scientific  

/ năch′ər-əl /

1. A mixture of hydrocarbon gases that occurs naturally beneath the Earth's surface, often with or near petroleum deposits. Natural gas contains mostly of methane but also has varying amounts of ethane, propane, butane, and nitrogen. It is used as a fuel and in making organic compounds.

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Etymology

Origin of natural gas

First recorded in 1815–25

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

natural gas

Maersk is reportedly planning a US$8.9 billion program for 42 liquefied natural gas dual field container ships, she says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

Petroleum import prices were 4.6% higher, while natural gas prices rose 1.6%.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

U.S. natural gas futures rose as solid LNG feedgas flows and some short-term weather-driven demand limit end-of-season storage estimates.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

TotalEnergies said earnings in its liquefied natural gas business are expected to rise sharply on the prior quarter, driven by a 20% jump in average LNG prices and strong gas trading.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026

It said that Governor Thomas Corbett had proposed that the state’s institutions of higher learning should consider closing their budget shortfalls by drilling for natural gas on their campuses.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

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Related Words

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