kerogen

[ ker-uh-juh n, -jen ]
/ ˈkɛr ə dʒən, -ˌdʒɛn /

noun

the bituminous matter in oil shale, from which shale oil is obtained by heating and distillation.

Origin of kerogen

1905–10; < Greek kēró(s) wax + -gen

Words nearby kerogen

kerning, kernite, kernmantel rope, kernos, kero, kerogen, keroid, kerosene, kerouac, kerplunk, kerr

British Dictionary definitions for kerogen

kerogen
/ (ˈkɛrədʒən) /

noun

the solid organic material found in some rocks, such as oil shales, that produces hydrocarbons similar to petroleum when heated

Word Origin for kerogen

C20: from Greek kēro ( s) wax + -gen

Scientific definitions for kerogen

kerogen
[ kĕr′ə-jən ]

A fossilized mixture of insoluble organic material that, when heated, breaks down into petroleum and natural gas. Kerogen consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur and forms from compacted organic material, including algae, pollen, spores and spore coats, and insects. It is usually found in sedimentary rocks, such as shale.