What does fracking mean Meaning and Definition
What does fracking mean
Pronunciation
/ˈfrækɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Verb, Noun
Definition
Fracking refers to the process of hydraulic fracturing, a method of extracting oil and natural gas from underground rock formations by injecting high-pressure water, sand, and chemicals to break the rock and release the resources.
Examples
- The oil company’s fracking operations have sparked controversy among environmentalists.
- Fracking has increased the availability of natural gas in the region.
Synonyms
- Hydraulic fracturing
- Fracturing
Antonyms
- Conservation
- Preservation
Additional Information
Fracking has become a highly debated topic in recent years, with supporters arguing that it can increase energy production and reduce reliance on foreign oil, while opponents raise concerns about its potential impact on the environment, including water contamination, air pollution, and increased seismic activity. Some countries have implemented regulations and moratoriums on fracking due to these concerns.
Fracking has also led to the growth of shale gas and oil production, transforming the energy landscape in several countries, including the United States. However, the process has sparked protests and lawsuits from communities claiming that it has contaminated their water supplies and caused health problems.
Etymology
The term “fracking” is believed to have originated from the shortened form of “fracturing” and was eventually adopted as the term for hydraulic fracturing. The first commercial fracking operations began in the 1940s in the United States.
Usage Notes
Fracking is often used as a shortened form of hydraulic fracturing, and its usage is generally informal. However, the term has become widely accepted in scientific and journalistic contexts.
Cultural References
- Fracking has been featured in several films, including “Gasland” (2010) and “Promised Land” (2012).
- The process has been the subject of various books, such as “Frack the Nation: Fixing America’s Energy, Economy, and the Environment with the Latest Technologies” by Sean Cockerham.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Fracking up (causing chaos or damage)
Related Words or Phrases
- Shale oil
- Natural gas
Collocations
- Fracking operation
- Fracking well
Frequency of Use
Fracking is a widely discussed topic in contemporary discourse, with increased usage in the media, politics, and everyday conversations. However, its frequency of use is higher in contexts where energy, environment, and science are being discussed.