An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Any of a class of compounds containing only → hydrogen and → carbon. Hydrocarbons are organic compounds found in coal, petroleum, natural gas, and plant life. They are used as fuels, solvents, and as raw materials for numerous products such as dyes, pesticides, and plastics. Petroleum is a mixture of several hydrocarbons.

See also: → hydro- + → carbon.