natural gas

noun

1. a combustible mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons that accumulates in porous sedimentary rocks, especially those yielding petroleum, consisting usually of over 80 percent methane together with minor amounts of ethane, propane, butane, nitrogen, and, sometimes, helium: used as a fuel and to make carbon black, acetylene, and synthesis gas.

natural gas

noun

1. a gaseous mixture consisting mainly of methane trapped below ground; used extensively as a fuel

natural gas

1. A mixture of hydrocarbon gases that occurs naturally beneath the Earth's surface, often with or near petroleum deposits. Natural gas contains mostly of methane but also has varying amounts of ethane, propane, butane, and nitrogen. It is used as a fuel and in making organic compounds.

Word History and Origins

Origin of natural gas¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

The growth also brought flares — flames burning off excess natural gas — that blazed day and night at wells in the surrounding countryside.

From Salon

"As we head into the colder months, we know that these savings coupled with the constant heat and instant hot water that natural gas provides, will be welcomed by Ten Towns customers."

From BBC

As the goal of eliminating the gases that cause climate change by 2045 approaches, she said, and natural gas plants are decommissioned, “next-gen geothermal can be, we think, a major player,” Arax said.

From Los Angeles Times

Ukraine has denied involvement in the blasts, which severed a key source of natural gas for Europe.

From BBC

Others go to electric utilities and natural gas suppliers to keep them from passing compliance costs onto customers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crude oil 
• fossil fuel 
• fuel 
• gas 
• gasoline 
• kerosene 
• petrol