| fossil fuel | |
| —n | |
| any naturally occurring carbon or hydrocarbon fuel, such as coal, petroleum, peat, and natural gas, formed by the decomposition of prehistoric organisms | |
| fossil fuel
A hydrocarbon deposit, such as petroleum, coal, or natural gas, derived from the accumulated remains of ancient plants and animals and used as fuel. carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases generated by burning fossil fuels are considered to be one of the principal causes of global warming. |