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hydrocarbons

Cultural  
  1. Chemical compounds whose main feature is a long chain of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. Hydrocarbons are organic molecules (see also organic molecule).


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Many hydrocarbons are used as fuels. Some examples of hydrocarbon fuels are the components of gasoline; methane, which is the main ingredient of natural gas; and some components of wood.

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.

The researchers say Canada may have a unique opportunity to produce cleaner and potentially cheaper hydrogen without depending on hydrocarbons.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

“Fifty years from now, people are going to be amazed that we burned these rare, useful hydrocarbons for fuel, when the sun was just sitting up there providing an essentially infinite source of energy.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

This foretells of a world where hydrocarbons are substituted by other energy sources.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

The G7 ministers also called on all countries to refrain from imposing unjustified export restrictions on hydrocarbons and related products.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

But food, by its very nature, contained flammable hydrocarbons.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

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