hydrocarbons
n. plural-only C1 Advanced US //ˌhaɪdɹoʊˈkɑɹbənz// UK //hˈaɪdɹəkˌɑːbənz// hy·dro·car·bons
n. chemical substances made only of hydrogen and carbon. They are the main parts of fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas.
n. organic chemical compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These molecules form the primary constituents of petroleum, natural gas, and coal.
Burning hydrocarbons releases energy and carbon dioxide.
The chemical plant specializes in refining raw hydrocarbons into plastics and other industrial materials.
Environmental regulations aim to reduce the emission of unburned hydrocarbons from internal combustion engines to mitigate the formation of ground-level ozone and urban smog.
Usage
Usually appears in the plural form when referring to the general class of chemicals or fuel sources.