coal oil
Americannoun
-
petroleum obtained by the destructive distillation of bituminous coal.
noun
-
petroleum or a refined product from petroleum, esp kerosene
-
a crude oil produced, together with coal gas, during the distillation of bituminous coal
Etymology
Origin of coal oil
An Americanism dating back to 1855–60
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Greenhouse gases mainly come from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 28, 2026
"Until humanity stops burning colossal amounts of coal, oil and gas, extreme heat will keep getting worse," Stiell said in a statement.
From Barron's ● Jun. 25, 2026
Around 60 nations are gathering in Santa Marta, Colombia as the world warms rapidly, mainly from the use of coal, oil and gas.
From BBC ● Apr. 24, 2026
Scientists have found air pollution from coal, oil and gas combustion kills millions of people around the world every year, in large part by exacerbating heart disease.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 16, 2025
Right after supper, while Papa was putting some coal oil in the lantern, I went to the tool shed and got a pick and shovel.
From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
