English · Nature & Environment
fossil fuel
/ˈfɒs.əl ˌfjuːəl/
[/ˈfɒs.əl ˌfjuːəl/]
buried carbon fuel
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A fuel such as coal, oil, or gas formed from the remains of ancient living things.
Example
Burning fossil fuels releases the carbon dioxide that is warming the planet.
Burning fossil fuels releases the carbon dioxide that is warming the planet.
Etymology
From 'fossil' (Latin 'fossilis', dug up) and 'fuel'.
How & Where It’s Used
Contrasted with renewable energy in climate policy.