petrochemistry

[ pe-troh-kem-uh-stree ]

noun

1. the branch of chemistry dealing with petroleum or its products.
2. the chemistry of rocks.

petrochemistry

/ ˌpɛtrəʊˈkɛmɪstrɪ /

noun

1. the chemistry of petroleum and its derivatives
2. the branch of chemistry concerned with the chemical composition of rocks

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrochemistry¹

1935–40; petro- ² or petro- ¹ + chemistry

Example Sentences

South Korea’s auto, steel, petrochemistry, cement and other sectors have been hit hard by the strike.

From Seattle Times

“They seem to seek out our sore spots. They hit primarily the export sectors of the Belarusian economy: petrochemistry, mechanical engineering, potash, and so on. But the main goal is to leave the people without pensions, salaries, benefits, education, medical care and cause discontent among Belarusians,” Lukashenko said.

From Seattle Times

With more than 20 years of specialized experience in petrochemistry, microbiology, chemistry and toxicology, Dr. Noreen, also the Chief Toxicologist for NKM Environmental Health Sciences, made history as the world’s first female NASA* space toxicologist, where she works to prevent chemical contaminants from affecting the health of astronauts during spaceflight operations.

From US News