1. Chemical products derived from crude oil or natural gas, used to manufacture plastics, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial materials.
Usage: Usually used in plural form; Technical/industrial term

Examples

• Petrochemicals are essential raw materials for the production of plastics and synthetic fibers.
• The refinery specializes in extracting petrochemicals from crude oil.
• Many everyday products, from cosmetics to clothing, contain petrochemicals.
• The petrochemicals industry is a major contributor to the global economy.
• Scientists are researching alternatives to petrochemicals to reduce environmental impact.
• Petrochemicals serve as building blocks for thousands of consumer goods.