natural gas

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.

natural gas

noun

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

natural gas

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of natural gas¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

With abundant onshore and offshore wind power, Britain is among Europe's leaders in renewable energy but still relies on natural gas for more than a third of its energy mix.

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U.S. natural gas futures started the week with losses, but settled above early lows as weather forecasts continue to add cold to the outlook for later this week and into December.

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Alaska restricts flaring of natural gas, a common way to dispose of the volatile substance, but a lack of pipelines limits shipments to markets.

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A much-touted nuclear renaissance in the early 2000s fizzled when electricity demand flattened and the shale boom delivered abundant, cheap natural gas.

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An increase in feedgas—the natural gas supplied to LNG export terminals for liquefaction—to U.S. facilities also indicates the country has increased production, ensuring sufficient global supply.

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Related Words

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