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

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

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