noun
( -s )
Etymology: from gerund of reform (I)
: cracking of various hydrocarbon oils or gases to form specialized products: as
a. : cracking of petroleum naphtha or straight-run gasoline of low octane number usually to form gasoline containing lighter constituents and having a higher octane number — compare hydroforming
b. : cracking of natural gas or other hydrocarbon gases often in the presence of steam to reduce the heating value or to produce hydrogen