# hydrocarbon

/ˌhaɪdɹoʊˈkɑɹbən/ (US) · /hˈaɪdɹəkˌɑːbən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hydrocarbon
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a chemical substance made only of hydrogen and carbon. You find these in things like oil, coal, and natural gas.

For teachers: an organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These molecules serve as the primary constituents of petroleum and natural gas.

## Examples

- Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon found in nature.
- The chemical plant processes raw hydrocarbons into plastics and other synthetic materials for industrial use.
- Environmental regulations aim to reduce the emission of unburned hydrocarbons from internal combustion engines, as these compounds contribute significantly to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the plural when referring to various types of fuels or chemical compounds.

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