hydrocarbon

[ hahy-druh-kahr-buh n, hahy-druh-kahr- ]
/ ˌhaɪ drəˈkɑr bən, ˈhaɪ drəˌkɑr- /

noun

any of a class of compounds containing only hydrogen and carbon, as an alkane, methane, CH4, an alkene, ethylene, C2H4, an alkyne, acetylene, C2H2, or an aromatic compound, benzene, C6H6.

Origin of hydrocarbon

First recorded in 1820–30; hydro-2 + carbon

OTHER WORDS FROM hydrocarbon

hy·dro·car·bo·na·ceous, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for hydrocarbons

British Dictionary definitions for hydrocarbons

hydrocarbon
/ (ˌhaɪdrəʊˈkɑːbən) /

noun

any organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen, such as the alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, terpenes, and arenes

Medical definitions for hydrocarbons

hydrocarbon
[ hī′drə-kärbən ]

n.

An organic compound, such as benzene and methane, that contains only carbon and hydrogen.

Scientific definitions for hydrocarbons

hydrocarbon
[ hī′drə-kärbən ]

Any of numerous organic compounds, such as benzene, that contain only carbon and hydrogen.

Cultural definitions for hydrocarbons

hydrocarbons

Chemical compounds whose main feature is a long chain of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. Hydrocarbons are organic molecules (see also organic molecule).

notes for hydrocarbons

Many hydrocarbons are used as fuels. Some examples of hydrocarbon fuels are the components of gasoline; methane, which is the main ingredient of natural gas; and some components of wood.