shale oil

American  

noun

1. petroleum distilled from oil shale.

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shale oil British  

noun

1. an oil distilled from shales and used as fuel

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Etymology

Origin of shale oil

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Shale oil production may “start leveling off toward the end of the year or early part of next year,” said Wong.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 5, 2025

Shale oil and gas production in Vaca Muerta has risen sharply over the last year, driven by the higher efficiency of wells and government measures to stimulate production.

From Reuters • Dec. 27, 2022

Shale oil drillers, many of which are burdened by heavy debt, are closing because they cannot make money at current oil prices.

From Washington Post • May 5, 2020

Shale oil and shale gas had a ready market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Aug. 21, 2015

Resources Inc. has a large, active stake in North Dakota’s Bakken Shale oil formation.

From US News • Apr. 1, 2015