Agency Dictionary
hydrocarbon
nounPronunciation: /ˈhaɪdrəˌkɑːrbən/
In Portuguese: hidrocarboneto
Climate & Sustainability
Science & HealthWhat does “hydrocarbon” mean?
An organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon, commonly found in petroleum, natural gas, and coal.
Etymology
A compound of hydro-, from Greek hydor, "water" (because hydrogen was so named for producing water when burned), and carbon, from Latin carbo, "charcoal, coal". The term arose in chemistry to name organic molecules built solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. It came into regular use in the 19th century as industrial chemistry classified the compounds of petroleum and coal gas.
Usage note
In everyday language, hydrocarbons usually means fossil fuels. In chemistry the term covers an enormous family of compounds, from methane to complex polymers.
Synonyms
- organic compound
Word family
- hydrogen
- carbon
- hydrate
- carbonate
Usage examples
A) Because AI Technology and Cryptocurrency feed on the electrical energy that is generated by the exact same thing that generates an excess of (CO²) in the atmosphere: hydrocarbon-derived fossil fuels.
Concepts
- Carbon SequestrationCarbon sequestration is the process of capturing and securing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to mitigate global climate change. It encompasses biological methods like…
- Fossil Fuel DependenceFossil fuel dependence is the structural reliance of modern industrial economies on coal, petroleum, and natural gas for electrical generation, transport, and…
- Greenhouse EffectThe greenhouse effect is a natural planetary thermal process whereby atmospheric gases absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, warming the surface of Earth. Anthropogenic…
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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Also from these editions: terms
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