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 volatility premium migrates down the supply chain, raising break-even prices for refiners, airlines and petrochemicals alike. Guney Yildiz, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 No more petrochemicals, petrostates, or petroleum jelly. Michael Grunwald, The Atlantic, 3 June 2025 The truth is that there is no safe way to color hair because the dye pigments are derived from petrochemicals. Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 The company plans to double its liquefied natural gas production by 2028 and is pouring capital into operations to support gas self-sufficiency in the UAE and supply feedstock to the country’s growing petrochemical industry. Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 11 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Petrochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petrochemical. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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

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