hydrocarbon
noun
hy·dro·car·bon
ˈhī-drō-ˌkär-bən 
: an organic compound (such as acetylene or butane) containing only carbon and hydrogen and often occurring in petroleum, natural gas, coal, and bitumens
Examples of hydrocarbon in a Sentence
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Hydrogen cyanide is formed in Titan's atmosphere via reactions with ultraviolet light from the sun, which breaks down hydrocarbons and reforms them as other molecules.
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025
The Cultural Terrace bid, awarded March 26, 2024, had 29 cubic yards of hydrocarbon contaminated soil for excavation and disposal, according to the city’s bid documents.
—Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025
Outgoing hydrocarbons minister Alejandro Gallardo said last week that the state energy company was struggling to obtain foreign currency for fuel imports.
—Reuters 3 Min Ago, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025
While several governments have been pushing for further use of hydrocarbons like coal, oil, and gas for energy production, some businesses and local governments have been mobilizing to fight global warming.
—Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
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Keith Cooper, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025
The Cultural Terrace bid, awarded March 26, 2024, had 29 cubic yards of hydrocarbon contaminated soil for excavation and disposal, according to the city’s bid documents.
—Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025
Outgoing hydrocarbons minister Alejandro Gallardo said last week that the state energy company was struggling to obtain foreign currency for fuel imports.
—Reuters 3 Min Ago, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025
While several governments have been pushing for further use of hydrocarbons like coal, oil, and gas for energy production, some businesses and local governments have been mobilizing to fight global warming.
—Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hydrocarbon
Cite this Entry
“Hydrocarbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrocarbon. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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hydrocarbon
noun
hy·dro·car·bon
ˌhī-drə-ˈkär-bən
: a compound containing only carbon and hydrogen
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