pɪˈtrəuljəm n. a
hydrocarbon oil found in
the upper
strata of the
earth,
refined for use as a
fuel for
heating and in internal-combustion engines, for
lighting, dry-cleaning, etc. øpetroleum
ether a
volatile liquid distilled
from petroleum, consisting of a
mixture of hydrocarbons. petroleum
jelly a
translucent solid mixture of hydrocarbons used as a
lubricant,
ointment, etc. [med.L f. L petra rock f. Gk + L
oleum oil]