petrochemical

noun

pet·​ro·​chem·​i·​cal ˌpe-trō-ˈke-mi-kəl 

: a chemical isolated or derived from petroleum or natural gas

petrochemistry

ˌpe-trō-ˈke-mə-strē 

noun

Examples of petrochemical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its Global Optimizer system analyzes Aramco’s refining and petrochemical assets, and the tool takes in news reports, economic data, and demand signals to recommend which markets to prioritize. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Many reduced or eliminated their petrochemical use, stopped tilling their fields and added additional plant varieties and cover crops to protect the soil. — Sydney Giacalone, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026

The project is being built to serve a major petrochemical industrial base, where large amounts of heat are required for industrial processes. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026

Its ranks include major petrochemical and consumer goods companies such as Dow, ExxonMobil, LyondellBasell, Shell, BASF, SABIC and Procter & Gamble. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

petro- + chemical entry 2

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for petrochemical

• academical
• agrochemical
• biochemical
• cytochemical
• geochemical
• histochemical
• microchemical
• neurochemical
• photochemical
• phytochemical
• spectrochemical
• thermochemical

Kids Definition

petrochemical

noun

pet·​ro·​chem·​i·​cal ˌpe-trō-ˈkem-i-kəl 

: a chemical obtained from petroleum or natural gas