crude oil

noun

1. petroleum as it comes from the ground, before refining.

crude oil

noun

1. petroleum before it has been refined

crude oil

/ kro̅o̅d /

1. Unrefined petroleum.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crude oil¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

The decision by Phillips 66 this week to shutter its refinery in Wilmington next year will wipe out more than 8% of the state’s crude oil processing capacity.

From Los Angeles Times

Sustainable aviation fuels, by contrast, can be made in the lab to have the same characteristics as conventional ones derived from crude oil, so they can be used in today’s aircraft.

From BBC

California’s attempt to manage a smooth transition away from gasoline just got roughed up with this week’s decision by Phillips 66 to shutter its refinery in Wilmington next year, wiping out more than 8% of the state’s crude oil processing capacity.

From Los Angeles Times

The cheapest way to lower gas prices is to allow oil companies to increase crude oil production in California and rely less on supply from overseas, Reheis-Boyd said.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2015, an ExxonMobil pipeline spilled over a hundred thousands gallons of crude oil into the ocean.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crude
• oil
• petrol
• petroleum