noun
- chemical compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms
Usage: chemistry; plural form
Examples
- Methane and ethane are simple hydrocarbons.
- The oil industry extracts hydrocarbons from underground deposits.
- Burning hydrocarbons releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- Natural gas consists primarily of light hydrocarbons.
- Scientists study how hydrocarbons affect air quality.
- Petroleum contains a mixture of various hydrocarbons.