hydrocarbon

[hahy-druh-kahr-buhn, hahy-druh-kahr-]

noun

1. any of a class of compounds containing only hydrogen and carbon, as an alkane, methane, CH 4 , an alkene, ethylene, C 2 H 4 , an alkyne, acetylene, C 2 H 2 , or an aromatic compound, benzene, C 6 H 6 .

hydrocarbon

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊˈkɑːbən /

noun

1. any organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen, such as the alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, terpenes, and arenes

hydrocarbon

1. Any of numerous organic compounds, such as benzene, that contain only carbon and hydrogen.

Other Word Forms

• hydrocarbonaceous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrocarbon¹

First recorded in 1820–30; hydro- ² + carbon

Example Sentences

Russia remains firmly established in the region's energy sector, supplying hydrocarbons through Soviet-era infrastructure and building nuclear plants.

Read more on Barron's

BP said Thursday that early analysis of the site was extremely encouraging and indicates a very large hydrocarbon column.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Other hydrocarbons failed to produce the same result, underscoring adamantane's unique suitability for diamond growth.

Read more on Science Daily

She said she was happy the court had indicated that "a state has to evaluate global emissions related to the combustion of hydrocarbons before approving a new oil field".

Read more on Barron's

These states continue to be more friendly to lower-cost hydrocarbon fuels for electricity generation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal