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

In fact, on average it’s cheaper than natural gas, coal and nuclear generation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

Alaska chose its 1.4 million parcels that will help lock in plans for its proposed Ambler mining district and liquid natural gas projects.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Its big Utah project is expected to cost around $7,000 per kilowatt to build, more than twice as expensive as building a natural gas plant.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

There have been concerns that unless the Strait of Hormuz - a key route for oil and liquefied natural gas - reopens soon, there could be physical shortages in some areas in the coming months.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

I swear it smelled like natural gas and pu-erh tea when it ruptured, which was weird and gross.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram

Related Words

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