petrol

¹

[ pe-truhl ]

noun

1. British. gasoline.
2. Archaic. petroleum.

verb (used with object)

, pet·rolled, pet·rol·ling.

1. British. to clean with gasoline.

petrol.

²

abbreviation for

1. petrology.

petrol.

¹

abbreviation for

1. petrology

petrol

²

/ ˈpɛtrəl /

noun

1. any one of various volatile flammable liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons, mainly hexane, heptane, and octane, obtained from petroleum and used as a solvent and a fuel for internal-combustion engines. Usually petrol also contains additives such as antiknock compounds and corrosion inhibitors US and Canadian namegasoline

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrol¹

1590–1600; < Middle French petrole < Medieval Latin petroleum petroleum

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrol¹

C16: via French from Medieval Latin petroleum

Example Sentences

The government advisers said taxes on meat and dairy might be needed if people do not voluntarily reduce their consumption of the products, and there should be moves to phase out the use of petrol cars.

From BBC

Experts in lithium batteries say that, when used in road vehicles, EV batteries are at least 20 times less likely to catch fire than diesel or petrol cars.

From BBC

During the late 1970s and early 80s, areas of Britain experienced increasing racial intolerance and violence, and in a period of just five months Coventry witnessed two racist killings, one attempted murder, several petrol bombings and numerous attacks.

From BBC

A man who poured petrol on his girlfriend and set her on fire has pleaded guilty to murder after she died nearly two years on from the attack.

From BBC

Clement Attlee was Prime Minister, and meat, cheese, sugar, and petrol were still being rationed after World War Two.

From BBC

Related Words

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