noun

Petro

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Petro (noun) means In Haitian Vodou, a category of spirits (loa) generally seen as fierce, forceful, or combative in character. Example: “The drummers switched to a faster rhythm to call on the petro spirits.”

noun

In Haitian Vodou, a category of spirits (loa) generally seen as fierce, forceful, or combative in character.

"The drummers switched to a faster rhythm to call on the petro spirits."

A cryptocurrency created by the Venezuelan government in 2018, marketed as being backed by the country's oil reserves.

"The government urged citizens to trade their bolivars for petro, though few trusted the new currency."

How to use Petro

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a fierce category of spirit in Haitian Vodou, or Venezuela's oil-backed digital currency.

Common mistake

These are two unrelated meanings that happen to share a spelling — context (religion vs. finance) makes clear which is meant.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Petros

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The drummers switched to a faster rhythm to call on the _____ spirits.

Etymology

The Vodou sense traces to a class name of unclear African origin; the cryptocurrency sense comes from Spanish petróleo ("petroleum"), reflecting its claimed oil backing.

Origin: Spanish

Rhymes for Petro

metro retro Pietro

See all rhymes for Petro →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Petro” mean?

The word “Petro” means in Haitian Vodou, a category of spirits (loa) generally seen as fierce, forceful, or combative in character. In plain terms, either a fierce category of spirit in Haitian Vodou, or Venezuela's oil-backed digital currency.

How do you use “Petro” in a sentence?

Here is “Petro” used in a sentence: “The drummers switched to a faster rhythm to call on the petro spirits.”

What part of speech is “Petro”?

“Petro” is a noun.

Where does the word “Petro” come from?

The word “Petro” comes from Spanish. The Vodou sense traces to a class name of unclear African origin; the cryptocurrency sense comes from Spanish petróleo ("petroleum"), reflecting its claimed oil backing.

How many meanings does “Petro” have?

“Petro” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in Haitian Vodou, a category of spirits (loa) generally seen as fierce, forceful, or combative in character.

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Words with Spanish origins