petrol

UK: ˈpet.rəl | US: ˈpet.rəl

Definition

  1. n. A flammable liquid derived from petroleum, used as fuel in internal combustion engines.

Structure
petr <rock>ol <oil>
Etymology

petrol = petr<rock> + ol<oil>

  • petr<rock>: From Greek petra (rock), referring to the fossilized organic matter (crude oil) found in rock layers.
  • ol<oil>: Shortened form of "oleum" (Latin for oil), indicating its liquid fuel nature.

Etymology Origin:
The word "petrol" emerged in the 19th century as a shortened form of "petroleum" (literally "rock oil"). It reflects the extraction of fuel from underground rock formations. The suffix "-ol" was adapted for brevity in commercial usage, particularly in British English, to denote refined gasoline.

Examples

  1. The car’s tank was filled with unleaded petrol.

  2. Petrol prices have risen sharply this year.

  3. Older engines may not run efficiently on modern petrol blends.

  4. She stopped at the station to buy petrol.

  5. The smell of petrol lingered in the garage.