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

China is the world’s largest importer of oil and the higher U.S. tariffs may put pressure on its fuels and petrochemicals sectors. —Jenni Reid, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025

In the Houston metro area, Baytown is known for its ample petrochemical facilities, located on the Houston Ship Channel, which offers easy access to Galveston Bay and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. —Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025

An example portfolio for a major oil company shifting toward net zero, according to the IEA, could focus on petrochemical feedstocks, primarily for plastics and industrial use. —Simi Thambi​, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

The petrochemical firm acquired a minority stake in Manchester United in February 2024, with the Glazers remaining majority owners of the club but INEOS controlling football operations. —Matt Slater, New York Times, 2 May 2025

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