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fossil fuel

Definition

Fossil fuels are fuels that were formed from the remains of dead plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. They are called fossil fuels because they are formed from fossils, which are the remains of living things that have been preserved in the Earth's crust.

The three main types of fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas. Coal is made from the remains of plants that lived in swamps millions of years ago. Oil is made from the remains of tiny sea creatures that lived in the ocean millions of years ago. Natural gas is made from the remains of bacteria that lived in the Earth's crust millions of years ago.

Fossil fuels are used to generate electricity, power vehicles, and heat homes and businesses. They are a major source of energy in the world today.

How can the word be used?

The use of fossil fuels is a major contributor to climate change.

fossil fuel

Different forms of the word

Noun: fossil fuel, fossil fuels.

Adjective: fossil-fuel.

Verb: fossil fuel, fossil-fueled, fossil-fueling.

Etymology

The word "fossil fuel" is a compound word that is made up of the words "fossil" and "fuel". The word "fossil" comes from the Latin word fossilis, which means "dug up". The word "fuel" comes from the Old English word fȳl, which means "combustible material".

Question

What are fossil fuels?