coal oil
Americannoun
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petroleum obtained by the destructive distillation of bituminous coal.
noun
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petroleum or a refined product from petroleum, esp kerosene
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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.
Whether that acceleration continues will depend heavily on future carbon dioxide emissions from coal, oil, and natural gas.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 1, 2026
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," he added.
From Barron's ● Jun. 25, 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
That means turning to wind, solar, and hydroelectric systems for power instead of coal, oil, and natural gas.
From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler
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.
