Definition

A type of chemical that comes from oil or natural gas, often used in making products like plastics and fertilizers.

Example

The petrochemical industry plays a crucial role in the production of many everyday items.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about how petrochemical products are made?

Yeah, I think they come from oil and gas, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how we rely on petrochemical materials for everyday items.

Totally! I never realized how much we use them until recently.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Petrochemical → It is formed from "petro-" (from Greek "petra", meaning rock or stone) and "chemical" (from Greek "khemia", meaning the art of transmuting metals). The word "petrochemical" refers to chemicals derived from petroleum or natural gas, which are often found in rock formations.

Memory Tip

Think of 'rock' ('petra') as the source of 'petrochemical' — these chemicals come from the rocks where petroleum is found.

Visually Confused Words