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

The two businesses are linked since most plastic is derived from oil or natural gas.

From Los Angeles Times

GE Vernova shares jumped 6.1% on Friday on expectations that the natural gas turbines it sells will see much higher demand.

From Barron's

“In the meantime, the Eaton Fire continued to spread fueled by natural gas.”

From Los Angeles Times

At the same time, Iran is facing shortages of water, electricity, and, importantly, gas - while sitting on the second-largest reserves of natural gas in the world.

From BBC

GE Vernova shares jumped 6.3% in early trading on expectations that the natural gas turbines it sells will see much higher demand.

From Barron's

Related Words

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