petrochemical

[pe-troh-kem-i-kuhl]

noun

1. a chemical substance obtained from petroleum or natural gas, as gasoline, kerosene, or petrolatum.

adjective

1. of or relating to petrochemistry or a petrochemical.

petrochemical

/ ˌpɛtrəʊˈkɛmɪkəl /

noun

1. any substance, such as acetone or ethanol, obtained from petroleum or natural gas

adjective

1. of, concerned with, or obtained from petrochemicals or related to petrochemistry

petrochemical

1. Any of a large number of chemicals made from petroleum or natural gas. Important petrochemicals include benzene, ammonia, acetylene, and polystyrene. Petrochemicals are used to produce a wide variety of materials, such as plastics, explosives, fertilizers, and synthetic fibers.

petrochemical

1. Any material made from substances found in oil or natural gas. Most plastics are petrochemicals.

Other Word Forms

• petrochemically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrochemical¹

First recorded in 1910–15; petro- ² + chemical

Example Sentences

A petrochemical company has announced it intends to cut 60 jobs at a plant in East Yorkshire blaming high energy costs and "dirt-cheap" imports from China.

From BBC

While a fuel distribution hub and a vast petrochemical plant remain, the Unite union says a funding package announced in February to support a transition to green energy projects has yet to materialise.

From BBC

The story describes in detail Burgum's increasing embrace of oil and gas interests and his role in connecting petrochemical executives to Trump's second presidential campaign.

From Salon

Part of Trump's "maximum pressure" policy toward Tehran, the sanctions announced on Wednesday target entities said by the US to be involved in the illicit trade of Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals.

From BBC

Wildfire Defense Systems only works with the insurance industry, but other privately held firefighting companies contract with industrial clients such as petrochemical facilities and utility providers.

From Los Angeles Times