natural gas

noun

1. a combustible mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons that accumulates in porous sedimentary rocks, especially those yielding petroleum, consisting usually of over 80 percent methane together with minor amounts of ethane, propane, butane, nitrogen, and, sometimes, helium: used as a fuel and to make carbon black, acetylene, and synthesis gas.

natural gas

noun

1. a gaseous mixture consisting mainly of methane trapped below ground; used extensively as a fuel

natural gas

/ năch′ər-əl /

1. A mixture of hydrocarbon gases that occurs naturally beneath the Earth's surface, often with or near petroleum deposits. Natural gas contains mostly of methane but also has varying amounts of ethane, propane, butane, and nitrogen. It is used as a fuel and in making organic compounds.

Word History and Origins

Origin of natural gas¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Under this program, entities earn and sell credits for cutting emissions, and dairies profit by converting methane into renewable natural gas.

From Los Angeles Times

In October 2023 a natural gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia was severely damaged.

From BBC

Nuclear energy is often hailed for its low carbon emissions compared to other sources like natural gas or coal.

From BBC

The document also recommends allowing tribes to drill for oil and natural gas on their land, and — to decrease the size of government — passing both land and some environmental responsibilities over to tribes.

From Los Angeles Times

Soltanov then described natural gas as a "transitional fuel", adding: "We will have a certain amount of oil and natural gas being produced, perhaps forever."

From BBC

Related Words

• crude oil
• fossil fuel
• fuel
• gas
• gasoline
• kerosene
• petrol