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 cost of raw materials for businesses continued to fall, once again driven by lower crude oil prices," he added.

From BBC

Nigeria’s crude oil is low in sulphur and, as one of the most prized in the world, fetches a higher price than many of its competitors.

From BBC

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

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

The price of crude oil has risen almost 10% this week to around $78 a barrel as the conflict has intensified.

From BBC

Related Words

• crude
• oil
• petrol
• petroleum