noun

petroleum

petroleum, crude oil

Petroleum is a major source of energy.

Petroleum is a major source of energy.

The price of petroleum has increased.

The price of petroleum has increased.

((uncountable)) petroleum Petroleum is a fossil fuel.

Synonyms: crude oil, oil

From Latin 'petra' (rock) and 'oleum' (oil). It literally means 'rock oil'.

Break it down: 'petro' (rock) + 'leum' (oil). It's oil that comes from rocks deep underground.

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