[ker-uh-juh
n, -jen] 
| the bituminous matter in oil shale, from which shale oil is obtained by heating and distillation. |
| ker·o·gen (kěr'ə-jən) n. A fossilized material in shale and other sedimentary rock that yields oil upon heating. [Greek kēros, wax + -gen.] |
| kerogen (kěr'ə-jən) Pronunciation Key
A fossilized mixture of insoluble organic material that, when heated, breaks down into petroleum and natural gas. Kerogen consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur and forms from compacted organic material, including algae, pollen, spores and spore coats, and insects. It is usually found in sedimentary rocks, such as shale. |