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

The petrochemical industry - and the broader U.S. economy - could use a win like this. —David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

With firefighters exposed to carcinogens and petrochemicals when battling a blaze, the higher risk level for esophageal cancer shouldn’t come as a surprise, said Fullerton Fire Chief Adam Loesche, whose firefighters were screened on Wednesday. —Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 23 July 2025

Vanillin can be obtained from cheaper sources, like eugenol and lignin, but the overwhelming majority of it is derived from petrochemicals, such as petroleum and coal tar. —Sarah Jampel, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 July 2025

Industries in focus include steel, non-ferrous metals, petrochemicals, and building materials. —Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 18 July 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