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 noun

Examples of petrochemical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The proliferation of digital technologies in various aspects of the global manufacturing, industrial and petrochemical complex has created an ever growing boom in the industrial cyber security market. Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 Because most plastics are made from petrochemicals, their manufacture emits greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Jeff Young, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 Texas and Louisiana are home to facilities that supply 80 percent of American petrochemicals. Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2024 The pro-recycling claim hides the bill’s true intent, which is to increase the use of chemical recycling, said Cynthia Palmer, senior analyst for petrochemicals at Moms Clean Air Force. Lisa Song, ProPublica, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for petrochemical 

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

Cite this Entry

“Petrochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petrochemical. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!