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

Rigs drilling for natural gas are unchanged from last week at 127, or 25 more than a year ago.

From The Wall Street Journal

U.S. natural gas futures settled lower in volatile trade, picking up from early lows after midday weather forecasts added some cold to the outlook that had already turned colder over the weekend.

From The Wall Street Journal

The fracking boom and growing production of renewable power had led to a glut of cheap natural gas, squeezing margins at the Houston-based company.

From The Wall Street Journal

U.S. natural gas futures continued to trade in an up-and-down pattern after last week’s big selloff, settling higher with a slight cooldown in midday weather runs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rigs directed at natural gas were steady this week at 127, or 25 more than a year ago, according to Baker Hughes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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