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.
OTHER WORDS FROM hydrocarbon
hy·dro·car·bo·na·ceous, adjectiveWords nearby hydrocarbon
hydrobomb,
hydrobromic,
hydrobromic acid,
hydrobromide,
hydrocalycosis,
hydrocarbon,
hydrocarbons,
hydrocast,
hydrocele,
hydrocele spinalis,
hydrocelectomy
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-kär′bən ]
n.
An organic compound, such as benzene and methane, that contains only carbon and hydrogen.
Scientific definitions for hydrocarbons
hydrocarbon
[ hī′drə-kär′bən ]
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.