liquefied petroleum gas: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Business, Academic
Quick answer
What does “liquefied petroleum gas” mean?
A flammable hydrocarbon gas fuel mixture, primarily propane and butane, stored under pressure as a liquid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A flammable hydrocarbon gas fuel mixture, primarily propane and butane, stored under pressure as a liquid.
A portable, clean-burning fuel source derived from refining petroleum or natural gas, used for heating, cooking, vehicle fuel, and in industrial applications.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. The abbreviation 'LPG' is universal. 'Autogas' is a common synonym for LPG used as vehicle fuel, used in both regions but slightly more common in the UK/Europe.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both. In everyday UK context, may be more associated with home heating tanks and 'Calor gas' (a brand). In the US, may be more associated with rural areas not served by natural gas pipelines and BBQ grills.
Frequency
The full term is relatively low-frequency; the abbreviation 'LPG' is more common in technical/business writing. 'Propane' is a very common US synonym for general contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “liquefied petroleum gas” in a Sentence
[use/burn/convert to] + LPGLPG + [is used for/can power/consists of][tank/cylinder/supply] + of + LPGVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “liquefied petroleum gas” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The plant liquefies petroleum gas for export.
- We are considering liquefying the gas on-site.
American English
- The facility liquefies petroleum gas for storage.
- They liquefy the gas to transport it more efficiently.
adverb
British English
- The gas is stored liquefied under high pressure.
- The fuel is supplied liquefied.
American English
- The propane is kept liquefied in the tank.
- It is transported liquefied via truck.
adjective
British English
- The liquefied petroleum gas market is volatile.
- They installed a new liquefied gas cylinder.
American English
- Liquefied petroleum gas prices rose this winter.
- The liquefied gas tank needs inspection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussions of energy markets, logistics, and fleet vehicle conversion costs.
Academic
Papers on alternative fuels, combustion chemistry, or energy economics.
Everyday
Discussing home heating fuel, BBQ cylinder refills, or vehicle fuel options.
Technical
Specifications for pressure vessels, engine calibrations, or safety data sheets.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “liquefied petroleum gas”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “liquefied petroleum gas”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “liquefied petroleum gas”
- Misspelling 'liquefied' (e.g., 'liquified').
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'an LPG' instead of 'some LPG' or 'an LPG tank').
- Confusing with 'liquefied natural gas (LNG)', which is a different product (primarily methane).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
If your stove is connected to a main pipeline, it uses natural gas (methane). If it uses a portable tank or cylinder, it likely uses LPG (propane/butane).
Autogas is a common international term for LPG when it is used as a fuel in internal combustion engines in vehicles.
Compared to coal and oil, LPG burns more cleanly, producing fewer particulates and lower CO2 per unit of energy. However, it is still a fossil fuel and a source of carbon emissions.
No, a car must be specifically manufactured for LPG or undergo a conversion involving a separate fuel tank, lines, and injection system.
A flammable hydrocarbon gas fuel mixture, primarily propane and butane, stored under pressure as a liquid.
Liquefied petroleum gas is usually technical, business, academic in register.
Liquefied petroleum gas: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɪk.wɪ.faɪd pəˈtrəʊ.li.əm ˌɡæs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪk.wə.faɪd pəˈtroʊ.li.əm ˌɡæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms; the term is technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PETROLEUM (oil) GAS that has been LIQUEFIED (turned into liquid) by pressure so it can be stored in a bottle or tank.
Conceptual Metaphor
PORTABLE ENERGY (The process of liquefaction transforms a gaseous energy source into a portable, contained liquid form).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason LPG is stored in strong metal tanks?