Petroleum Meaning in English

word

US

/pəˈtɹoʊɫiəm/

puh-TROH-lee-um

UK

/pətɹˈəʊliːəm/

puh-TROH-lee-um

Definition

A thick, dark liquid found underground, used to make fuel such as gasoline, diesel, and many industrial products. It is also called crude oil before being refined.

Usage & Nuances

Mainly used in scientific, industrial, and economic contexts. Typically refers to the raw material before refining, while 'oil' can mean both petroleum and other oils. Collocations: 'petroleum industry,' 'petroleum products,' 'petroleum reserves.' Not used for cooking oil.

• Spanish: petróleo
• Portuguese (BR): petróleo
• Portuguese (PT): petróleo
• Chinese (Simplified): 石油
• Chinese (Traditional): 石油
• Hindi: पेट्रोलियम
• Arabic: النفط
• Bengali: পেট্রোলিয়াম - অপরিশোধিত তেল
• Russian: нефть
• Japanese: 石油
• Vietnamese: dầu mỏ
• Korean: 석유
• Turkish: petrol - ham petrol
• Urdu: پیٹرولیم - خام تیل
• Indonesian: minyak bumi

Example Sentences

Petroleum is found deep underground.

basic

Petroleum is used to make gasoline.

basic

Many countries export petroleum.

basic

The price of petroleum changes almost every day.

natural

Most plastics are made from petroleum.

natural

The city's economy depends on the petroleum industry.

natural