PETROLEUM


Meaning of PETROLEUM in English

n. a hydrocarbon oil found in the upper strata of the earth, refined for use as a fuel for heating and in internal-combustion engines, for lighting, dry-cleaning, etc. petroleum ether a volatile liquid distilled from petroleum, consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons. petroleum jelly a translucent solid mixture of hydrocarbons used as a lubricant, ointment, etc.

[ med.L f. L petra rock f. Gk + L oleum oil ]

Concise Oxford English dictionary.      Краткий оксфордский словарь английского языка.