Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fossil fuel in the gaseous state: "Natural gas" is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting primarily of methane. It is a combustible fuel formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
   • Used for cooking and heating homes: "Natural gas" is a primary energy source commonly transported via pipelines and used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications for purposes such as heating, cooking, and generating electricity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The power plant generates electricity using natural gas.
  • Many homes in the city are heated by natural gas.
  • The discovery of a new natural gas field boosted the country's economy.

Advanced Usage

• "Natural gas liquids (NGLs)": Refers to hydrocarbons like ethane and propane that are extracted from natural gas during processing.

  • The facility separates natural gas liquids from the raw gas stream.

• "Natural gas vehicle (NGV)": A vehicle that uses compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel.

  • The city's bus fleet is gradually converting to natural gas vehicles.

Variants and Related Words

• Methane (n): The primary component of natural gas.

  • Methane is a potent greenhouse gas.

• Liquefied natural gas (LNG) (n): Natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state for ease of storage or transport.

  • The tanker ship carries liquefied natural gas across the ocean.

• Compressed natural gas (CNG) (n): Natural gas that is compressed for use as a vehicle fuel.

  • The taxi runs on compressed natural gas.

Synonyms

• Fossil gas: A synonym emphasizing its origin as a fossil fuel.
• Methane gas: A term highlighting its primary chemical component, though not all methane gas is commercially distributed natural gas.

Related Phrases

• Natural gas pipeline: A system of pipes used to transport natural gas.

  • A leak was detected in the natural gas pipeline.

• Natural gas reserves: The amount of natural gas resources that can be technically and economically recovered.

  • The country has substantial natural gas reserves.

Noun

1. a fossil fuel in the gaseous state; used for cooking and heating homes