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 fell for a fifth consecutive session as warmer-than-usual January weather keeps a lid on heating demand.

From The Wall Street Journal

The combined entity now possesses 55 gigawatts of generating capacity, including 21 nuclear reactors and over 50 natural gas plants.

From Barron's

In all scenarios, the think tank reports, Taiwan ran out of natural gas in 10 days, coal in seven weeks and oil in 20 weeks.

From MarketWatch

The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval and expected to close in mid-to-late 2026, includes 10 natural gas generation facilities totaling about 5,500 megawatts of capacity.

From Barron's

U.S. natural gas futures extended their losing streak to a fourth session as weekend weather forecasts shed more cold for the first half of January.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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