- A hydrocarbon of the paraffin series, (C15H32) found
in petroleum, tar oil, etc., and obtained as a colorless liquid; -- so
called from the fifteen carbon atoms in the molecule.
- A limpid, oily liquid obtained by the destructive
distillation of various vegetable and animal substances; --
specifically, an oil consisting largely of the higher hydrocarbons of
the paraffin series.
- Any one of several isometric hydrocarbons, C7H16, of the
paraffin series (nine are possible, four are known); -- so called
because the molecule has seven carbon atoms. Specifically, a colorless
liquid, found as a constituent of petroleum, in the tar oil of cannel
coal, etc.
- Crude oil - Fossil fuel - Fuel for most cars - Rock oil, mineral oil, or natural oil, a dark brown or
greenish inflammable liquid, which, at certain points, exists in the
upper strata of the earth, from whence it is pumped, or forced by
pressure of the gas attending it. It consists of a complex mixture of
various hydrocarbons, largely of the methane series, but may vary much
in appearance, composition, and properties. It is refined by
distillation, and the products include kerosene, benzine, gasoline,
paraffin, etc.