petroleum

views updated May 14 2018

petroleum(crude oil) Naturally occurring liquid hydrocarbons formed by the anaerobic decay of organic matter. Oil is rarely found at its original site of formation but migrates to a suitable structural or lithological trap. Petroleum is frequently associated with salt water and with gaseous hydrocarbons. See also natural gas and oil shale.

A Dictionary of Ecology MICHAEL ALLABY

petroleum

views updated May 29 2018

petroleum mineral oil, occurring in rocks, etc. XVI. — medL., f. L. petra rock (see PETRIFY) + oleum OIL.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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