Petrol

Definition

The term "petrol" refers to a flammable liquid derived from petroleum, primarily used as fuel in internal combustion engines. It is commonly known as gasoline in American English.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɛt.rəl/
• Respelling: PET-ruhl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɛt.rəl/
• Respelling: PET-ruhl

Etymology

The word "petrol" comes from the French "pétrole," derived from the Medieval Latin "petroleum," which combines "petra" (rock) and "oleum" (oil). It entered English in the 19th century to describe refined petroleum used as a fuel.

Derivatives

• Petroleum (noun)
• Petrolhead (noun, informal)
• Petroliferous (adjective)
• Petrol station (noun)
• Petrol tank (noun)

Synonyms

• Gasoline
• Fuel
• Motor spirit

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The word "petrol" is commonly used in British English to describe fuel for vehicles. For example: "The car needs more petrol," or "The petrol station is just around the corner."

Related Terms

• Diesel: A type of fuel distinct from petrol, used in diesel engines.
• Octane: A measure of a fuel's ability to resist knocking during combustion.
• Petroleum: The raw material from which petrol is refined.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A liquid fuel used in internal combustion engines: Refers to the refined petroleum product used to power cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
  • Example: "He filled the tank with petrol before the road trip."
• The British term for gasoline: Used interchangeably with "gasoline" in American contexts, but preferred in British English.
  • Example: "Petrol is more expensive in some European countries than in the UK."