hydrocarbon

[ hahy-druh-kahr-buhn, hahy-druh-kahr- ]

noun

1. any of a class of compounds containing only hydrogen and carbon, as an alkane, methane, CH 4 , an alkene, ethylene, C 2 H 4 , an alkyne, acetylene, C 2 H 2 , or an aromatic compound, benzene, C 6 H 6 .

hydrocarbon

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊˈkɑːbən /

noun

1. any organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen, such as the alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, terpenes, and arenes

hydrocarbon

/ hī′drə-kär′bən /

1. Any of numerous organic compounds, such as benzene, that contain only carbon and hydrogen.

Other Words From

• hydro·carbo·naceous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrocarbon¹

First recorded in 1820–30; hydro- ² + carbon

Example Sentences

Mr Bojo Leju also says "produced water" - water released from the ground when oil is extracted and often containing hydrocarbons and other pollutants - was not properly treated.

From BBC

During the meeting, Soltanov told the potential sponsor that the aim of the conference was "solving the climate crisis" and "transitioning away from hydrocarbons in a just, orderly and equitable manner".

From BBC

The process produces hazardous waste and releases carcinogens like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are toxic at very low concentrations.

From Salon

A spokesperson for Environment and Climate Change Canada told the Globe and Mail that the substance was not a petroleum hydrocarbon, petroleum lubricant, biofuel or biodiesel.

From BBC

Authorities ordered the evacuation of approximately 150 homes in a Ventura neighborhood Sunday because of “potentially dangerous levels of hydrocarbon vapors” and placed another 2,600 homes under a warning to possibly leave.

From Los Angeles Times