natural gas

noun

a combustible mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons that accumulates in porous sedimentary rocks, especially those yielding petroleum, consisting usually of over 80 percent methane together with minor amounts of ethane, propane, butane, nitrogen, and, sometimes, helium: used as a fuel and to make carbon black, acetylene, and synthesis gas.

Origin

1815-25

Examples from the web for natural gas

Though the country is rich in natural gas, unemployment and homelessness are common.
Then he asked for some investment tips, perhaps something in natural gas.
But the low construction costs of natural gas plants makes it difficult for nuclear or renewables to compete with them.
Wage and price controls lasted nearly three years, and much longer for oil and natural gas.
That's a pretty high price projection, particular for a scenario where you're expecting a huge boost in natural gas supplies.
But that energy you're charging it with could come from a power plant burning natural gas.
Fuel cells are one of many advances that may increase the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel over the long term.
natural gas becomes a more cost-efficient generating fuel, since it emits less sulfur.
Drilling for natural gas has gotten ahead of the science needed to prove it safe.
Methane leaks during production may offset climate benefits of natural gas.

British Dictionary definitions for natural gas

natural gas

noun

a gaseous mixture consisting mainly of methane trapped below ground; used extensively as a fuel

natural gas in Science

natural gas

(nāch'ər-əl)
A mixture of hydrocarbon gases that occurs naturally beneath the Earth's surface, often with or near petroleum deposits. Natural gas contains mostly of methane but also has varying amounts of ethane, propane, butane, and nitrogen. It is used as a fuel and in making organic compounds.