petrochemical

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

petrochemistry

2 of 2

noun (2)

pe·​tro·​chemistry "+ 

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

Noun

Texas, surprisingly, was the fourth-most regulated state in the nation with about 2,900 restrictions, possibly driven by its oil, gas and petrochemical industry, the largest in the nation, though researchers at the PPIC haven’t studied that issue. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

But new technologies are opening the door to transition a portion of the inputs from petrochemicals to plants, trimming the environmental impact of these fibers. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 20 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

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

petro- + chemical entry 2

Noun (2)

petr- + chemistry

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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