natural gas

American  

noun

1. a combustible mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons that accumulates in porous sedimentary rocks, especially those yielding petroleum, consisting usually of over 80 percent methane together with minor amounts of ethane, propane, butane, nitrogen, and, sometimes, helium: used as a fuel and to make carbon black, acetylene, and synthesis gas.

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natural gas British  

noun

1. a gaseous mixture consisting mainly of methane trapped below ground; used extensively as a fuel

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natural gas Scientific  

/ năch′ər-əl /

1. A mixture of hydrocarbon gases that occurs naturally beneath the Earth's surface, often with or near petroleum deposits. Natural gas contains mostly of methane but also has varying amounts of ethane, propane, butane, and nitrogen. It is used as a fuel and in making organic compounds.

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Etymology

Origin of natural gas

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

In fact, on average it’s cheaper than natural gas, coal and nuclear generation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

U.S. natural gas futures settled lower as oil and European natural gas prices retreated on renewed efforts for a deal to end the U.S.-Iran conflict.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

There have been concerns that unless the Strait of Hormuz - a key route for oil and liquefied natural gas - reopens soon, there could be physical shortages in some areas in the coming months.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

In 2022, Europe was the focus of higher energy prices as its supplies of natural gas from Russia fell sharply.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

There’s the natural gas in the fertilizer and the fossil fuel energy it takes to make the pesticides, the diesel used by the tractors, and the fuel needed to harvest, dry, and transport the corn.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Related Words

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