hydrocarbon
HY-dro-kar-bun
/ˌhaɪdrəˈkɑːrbən/
An organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon, such as petroleum or natural gas.
This is the technical umbrella term for fossil fuels. It emphasizes the chemical nature of the energy source.
The story behind the word. A 19th-century coinage that simply combines 'hydrogen' and 'carbon'. It reflects the scientific discovery that oil and gas were not just 'earth oils' but specific chemical structures.
Word relationships
- fossil fuel: Fossil fuel is a more common term that refers to the origin of the substance; hydrocarbon refers to its chemical makeup.
Commonly confused with
- carbohydrate: Carbohydrates (sugars/starches) contain oxygen in addition to hydrogen and carbon; hydrocarbons do not.
Collocations
- liquid hydrocarbons
- hydrocarbon emissions
- hydrocarbon reserves
- unburned hydrocarbons
Example sentences
- "Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon, consisting of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms." Chemistry
- "Our modern civilization is built on the energy released from burning hydrocarbons." Energy Policy
Memory hook
Hydrogen + Carbon = Hydrocarbon. It's right there in the name! The H and C of energy.
When not to use
Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing chemistry or energy policy; 'oil and gas' is usually sufficient.
Fun facts
- The rings and chains of hydrocarbons are what make plastic possible—plastic is essentially solid oil.
Related words
Explore more words
carbohydrate, Covalent, Molecule, lipid, organic, hydrogenated
Also appears in
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