petrol

¹

[pe-truhl]

noun

1. British.,  gasoline.

2. Archaic.,  petroleum.

verb (used with object)

petrolled, petrolling 

1. British.,  to clean with gasoline.

petrol.

²

abbreviation

1. petrology.

petrol.

¹

abbreviation

1. petrology

petrol

²

/ ˈpɛtrəl /

noun

1. US and Canadian name: gasoline. any one of various volatile flammable liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons, mainly hexane, heptane, and octane, obtained from petroleum and used as a solvent and a fuel for internal-combustion engines. Usually petrol also contains additives such as antiknock compounds and corrosion inhibitors

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrol¹

1590–1600; < Middle French petrole < Medieval Latin petroleum petroleum

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrol¹

C16: via French from Medieval Latin _petroleum

Example Sentences

EVs can be significantly more expensive than a petrol or diesel car or a hybrid upfront, but the gap is narrowing.

From BBC

As people lined up to vote on Tuesday, frustrated motorists continued to form long, snaking queues for fuel outside petrol stations.

From BBC

In the cities, campaigning has been overshadowed by fuel shortages, which have led to long, frustrating queues at petrol stations.

From BBC

Prolonged petrol shortages, along with regular power cuts, the rising cost of living, hunger, poverty, inequality and youth unemployment, add to the tangible frustration here.

From BBC

BBC Wales also published text messages from Jones' phone, one of which said: "When doing petrol thing - always make more than I did – add in stuff please OK."

From BBC

Related Words

• crude oil 
• fossil fuel 
• fuel 
• gas 
• gasoline 
• kerosene 
• natural gas