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Definition of hydrocarbon
: an organic compound (such as acetylene or butane) containing only carbon and hydrogen and often occurring in petroleum, natural gas, coal, and bitumens
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of hydrocarbon from the Web
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In 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency found elevated levels (pdf) of arsenic, lead and carcinogenic hydrocarbons—courtesy of a nearby coking plant—near 35th Avenue in the black neighborhood of North Birmingham, Ala.
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The Cypriot government insists drilling is it's sovereign right and that any hydrocarbon proceeds will be shared after a peace deal is sealed, signed and delivered.
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Trailing only Saudi Arabia and Venezuela in proved reserves, the sticky deposits of sand, water, clay and hydrocarbons in the remote boreal forests of Canada are some of the hardest and most expensive to extract.
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One hot spot is contaminated with hydrocarbons, suggesting someone may have dumped oil or other petroleum products.
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PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which form when meat is smoked, charred or cooked over an open flame, are also found in tobacco smoke.
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PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which form when meat is smoked, charred or cooked over an open flame, are also found in tobacco smoke.
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PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which form when meat is smoked, charred or cooked over an open flame, are also found in tobacco smoke.
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PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which form when meat is smoked, charred or cooked over an open flame, are also found in tobacco smoke.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hydrocarbon'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of hydrocarbon
1826
HYDROCARBON Defined for English Language Learners
hydrocarbon
playDefinition of hydrocarbon for English Language Learners
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: a substance (such as coal or natural gas) that contains only carbon and hydrogen
HYDROCARBON Defined for Kids
hydrocarbon
playDefinition of hydrocarbon for Students
: a substance containing only carbon and hydrogen
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about hydrocarbon
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Spanish Central: Translation of hydrocarbon Nglish: Translation of hydrocarbon for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hydrocarbon
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