petroleum
|pe-tro-le-um|
B2
🇺🇸
/pəˈtroʊliəm/
🇬🇧
/pəˈtrəʊliəm/
natural liquid fuel
Etymology
Etymology Information
'petroleum' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'petroleum,' where 'petra' meant 'rock' and 'oleum' meant 'oil.'
Historical Evolution
'petroleum' changed from the Medieval Latin word 'petroleum' and eventually became the modern English word 'petroleum.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'rock oil,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a natural liquid used as fuel.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a naturally occurring, flammable liquid found in geological formations beneath the Earth's surface, used primarily as fuel and in the production of plastics and chemicals.
Petroleum is a major source of energy worldwide.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35