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hydrocarbon
noun
hy·dro·car·bon
ˈhī-drō-ˌkär-bən
: an organic compound (such as acetylene or butane) containing only carbon and hydrogen and often occurring in petroleum, natural gas, coal, and bitumens
Examples of hydrocarbon in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Part of the difficulty in detecting contamination is that hydrocarbons left over from fuel are often too small in quantity to show up in tests on edible oil.
—
Pei-Lin Wu, Washington Post, 11 July 2024
Observations from Cassini found evidence for hydrocarbon rains and winds that appear to generate waves in Titan's methane lakes.
—
Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 22 Apr. 2024
In certain countries, dependence on Russian hydrocarbons, fertilizer, grain, or weapons has helped shape the response to the war.
—
Daniel S. Hamilton, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2023
Enlarge / Ligeia Mare, the second-largest body of liquid hydrocarbons on Titan.
—
Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 25 June 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hydrocarbon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1826, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing hydrocarbon
Dictionary Entries Near hydrocarbon
Cite this Entry
“Hydrocarbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrocarbon. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Kids Definition
hydrocarbon
noun
hy·dro·car·bon
ˌhī-drə-ˈkär-bən
: a compound containing only carbon and hydrogen
More from Merriam-Webster on hydrocarbon
Nglish: Translation of hydrocarbon for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hydrocarbon
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