petrol

¹

[pe-truhl]

noun

1. British.,  gasoline.

2. Archaic.,  petroleum.

verb (used with object)

petrolled, petrolling 

1. British.,  to clean with gasoline.

petrol.

²

abbreviation

1. petrology.

petrol.

¹

abbreviation

1. petrology

petrol

²

/ ˈpɛtrəl /

noun

1. US and Canadian name: gasoline. any one of various volatile flammable liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons, mainly hexane, heptane, and octane, obtained from petroleum and used as a solvent and a fuel for internal-combustion engines. Usually petrol also contains additives such as antiknock compounds and corrosion inhibitors

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrol¹

1590–1600; < Middle French petrole < Medieval Latin petroleum petroleum

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrol¹

C16: via French from Medieval Latin _petroleum

Example Sentences

"Emma had just publicly poured more petrol on the flames, yet thought a one line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness."

From BBC

Even in what is a highly controlled media landscape, Russian newspapers have been reporting petrol shortages in some parts of the country.

From BBC

EVs can be significantly more expensive than a petrol or diesel car or a hybrid upfront, but the gap is narrowing.

From BBC

As people lined up to vote on Tuesday, frustrated motorists continued to form long, snaking queues for fuel outside petrol stations.

From BBC

In the cities, campaigning has been overshadowed by fuel shortages, which have led to long, frustrating queues at petrol stations.

From BBC

Related Words

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