hydrocracking

[ hahy-druh-krak-ing ]
/ ˈhaɪ drəˌkræk ɪŋ /

noun

the cracking of petroleum or the like in the presence of hydrogen.

Origin of hydrocracking

First recorded in 1935–40; hydro-2 + cracking

Definition for hydrocracking (2 of 2)

hydrocrack
[ hahy-druh-krak ]
/ ˈhaɪ drəˌkræk /

verb (used with object)

to crack (petroleum or the like) in the presence of hydrogen.

Scientific definitions for hydrocracking

hydrocracking
[ hīdrə-krăk′ĭng ]

A process by which the hydrocarbon molecules of petroleum are broken into simpler molecules, as of gasoline or kerosene, by the addition of hydrogen under high pressure and in the presence of a catalyst. See also cracking.