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

U.S. natural gas futures settled higher after weather models over the Christmas break added more cold to the outlook.

From The Wall Street Journal

Other alternatives to fuel oil that have been used in commercial shipping—like methanol, ammonia and natural gas—are either in short supply, toxic to the environment or cut emissions by only around 25%.

From The Wall Street Journal

While the National Weather Service External link isn’t predicting a particularly cold winter overall, retail prices are expected to rise for those relying on electricity or natural gas.

From Barron's

Water, natural gas, automobiles, the web, cellphone coverage.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the years since, Japan has ramped up imports of natural gas and other fossil fuels to meet its energy needs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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