petrochemical

1 of 2

noun (1)

pet·​ro·​chem·​i·​cal ˌpe-trō-ˈke-mi-kəl How to pronounce petrochemical (audio)
: a chemical isolated or derived from petroleum or natural gas
petrochemistry
ˌpe-trō-ˈke-mə-strē How to pronounce petrochemical (audio)
noun

petrochemistry

2 of 2

noun (2)

pe·​tro·​chemistry "+ How to pronounce petrochemistry (audio)
1
: the chemistry of rocks
2
: the chemistry of petroleum
especially : a branch of chemistry dealing with the production of petrochemicals

Examples of petrochemical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Ukraine’s General Staff described the complex as one of Russia’s largest oil refining and petrochemical facilities. — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 Trinidad and Tobago has more than 100 years of energy experience, established LNG and petrochemical infrastructure and a sophisticated network of energy-service companies. — Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026 The new designations are aimed at further limiting Iran's ability to transport and profit from petroleum and petrochemicals. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 In August, Ukrainian drones struck refineries and other energy facilities across Russia, including a major petrochemical complex roughly 800 miles from Ukraine. — Todd J. Stein, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for petrochemical

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

petro- + chemical entry 2

Noun (2)

petr- + chemistry

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petrochemical was in 1942

Rhymes for petrochemical

See All Rhymes for petrochemical

Browse Nearby Words

Petrochelidon
petrochemical
petrochemistry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Petrochemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petrochemical. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

petrochemical

noun
pet·​ro·​chem·​i·​cal ˌpe-trō-ˈkem-i-kəl How to pronounce petrochemical (audio)
: a chemical obtained from petroleum or natural gas

More from Merriam-Webster on petrochemical

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about petrochemical

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