hydrocarbonmolecules
nounUK /ˌhaɪdrəˈkɑːbən ˈmɒlɪkjuːlz/
US /ˌhaɪdrəˈkɑːrbən ˈmɑːlɪkjuːlz/
Tiny groups of atoms made of hydrogen and carbon joined together.
Hydrocarbon molecules are found in fuels like gasoline and natural gas.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The building blocks of many fuels and plastics.
Scientists study hydrocarbon molecules to make better plastics.
3. Molecules made only of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
Methane is the simplest of all hydrocarbon molecules.
4. Chemical units found in crude oil and natural gas.
Refineries separate hydrocarbon molecules by size.