petrochemical

noun

pet·​ro·​chem·​i·​cal ˌpe-trō-ˈke-mi-kəl How to pronounce petrochemical (audio)
: a chemical isolated or derived from petroleum or natural gas
petrochemistry
ˌpe-trō-ˈke-mə-strē How to pronounce petrochemical (audio)
noun

Examples of petrochemical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While Shell and other petrochemical companies are diversifying and reducing the emissions intensity of their products somewhat (between 2016 and 2023, there was a 6.3% reduction, for example), none of them are proposing exiting their core business. —Adam Gale, Fortune Europe, 22 May 2024 Smith also recommends avoiding hairsprays containing petrochemicals. —Genevieve Cepeda, Peoplemag, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for petrochemical 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'petrochemical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

petro- + chemical entry 2

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petrochemical was in 1942

Dictionary Entries Near petrochemical

Petrochelidon

petrochemical

petrocole

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Petrochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petrochemical. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

petrochemical

noun
pet·​ro·​chem·​i·​cal ˌpe-trō-ˈkem-i-kəl How to pronounce petrochemical (audio)
: a chemical obtained from petroleum or natural gas

More from Merriam-Webster on petrochemical

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about petrochemical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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