Petrol Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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petrol
[ˈpɛtrəl ]
Definitions
fuel for vehicles
Petrol is a flammable liquid used as fuel for internal combustion engines in vehicles.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| petrol |
Used mainly in British English to refer to the liquid used in cars and other vehicles.
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| gasoline |
Predominantly used in American English and refers specifically to the liquid used in engines.
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| fuel |
A generic term that can refer to any material that is used to produce energy, like petrol, diesel, or even wood. It is suitable in both technical and everyday language.
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| gas |
Commonly used in American English to refer to petrol/gasoline. It can also mean a state of matter that is neither solid nor liquid, such as oxygen.
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Examples of usage
- Many cars run on petrol.
- She filled up the tank with petrol.
- The price of petrol has increased recently.
British term for gasoline
In British English, petrol is the term used for the fuel commonly known as gasoline in American English.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| petrol |
Widely used in British English, 'petrol' refers to the liquid fuel used in internal combustion engines, particularly for cars.
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| gasoline |
Commonly used in American English, 'gasoline' or 'gas' specifically refers to the liquid petroleum product used primarily in car engines.
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| fuel |
'Fuel' is a more general term that can mean any material that can be burnt or used to create energy; it can include petroleum, coal, wood, etc.
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Examples of usage
- She stopped at the petrol station to refuel.
- Do you need to fill up with petrol?
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Petrol is composed of hydrocarbons, which are molecules made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms.
- When petrol combusts in an engine, it goes through a chemical reaction producing energy, water vapor, and carbon dioxide.
- The higher the octane rating of petrol, the more efficiently it burns, leading to better engine performance.
History
- The first commercial use of petrol began in the late 19th century with the invention of the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine.
- Initially, petrol was a byproduct of the oil refining process and was used mainly as lighting fuel before automobiles became popular.
- The establishment of petrol stations began in the early 20th century, evolving from basic fuel depots to modern convenience stores.
Environmental Impact
- Burning petrol releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change and air pollution.
- Alternatives like electric vehicles are gaining popularity to reduce reliance on petrol and lower emissions.
- In response to environmental concerns, many countries are investing in research to create more sustainable fuel alternatives.
Economics
- The price of petrol is affected by global oil market fluctuations, geopolitical factors, and supply and demand dynamics.
- Countries with rich oil reserves often have lower petrol prices due to easier access to fuel resources.
- Taxes on petrol can significantly increase final prices for consumers, impacting transport costs for everyday goods.
Origin of 'petrol'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'petrol' comes from the French word 'pétrole', which means 'rock oil'.
- In the U.S. and Canada, it's commonly called 'gasoline', while 'petrol' is the preferred term in many other English-speaking countries.
- The word evolved as the substance was derived from petroleum, a natural occurring liquid found in rock formations.
The word 'petrol' originated from the French word 'pétrole,' which means petroleum. It was first used in the late 19th century to refer to the refined oil used as fuel in engines. The use of petrol as a fuel became widespread with the rise of the automotive industry and the invention of the internal combustion engine. Today, petrol is a common fuel for vehicles around the world.