noun
- a chemical compound consisting only of hydrogen and carbon atoms
Usage: chemistry
Examples
- Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon molecule.
- Oil and natural gas are mixtures of various hydrocarbons.
- The scientist studied the properties of different hydrocarbon compounds.
- Gasoline contains several types of hydrocarbons.
- Burning hydrocarbons releases carbon dioxide and water vapor.
- The petrochemical industry processes hydrocarbons into plastics and fuels.