petrodollars

[ pe-troh-dol-erz ]

plural noun

1. surplus revenues in dollars accumulated by petroleum-exporting countries, as those of the Middle East, especially when then used for foreign loans or investments.

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrodollars¹

1970–75; petro- ² + dollars ( def )

Example Sentences

He waged war on the modern with a Siemens dialysis machine in-tow, bankrolled by Aramco petrodollars.

From The Daily Beast