a sandstone impregnated with hydrocarbons, esp such deposits in Alberta, Canada
oil sand in American English
noun
Geology
a sand or sandstone containing oil or tarry residue in the pore spaces
Word origin
[1880–85, Amer.]This word is first recorded in the period 1880–85. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: automatism, barnstorm, highball, impressionism, regionalism
Examples of 'oil sand' in a sentence
oil sand
Shell has invested heavily in shale gas and oil sands in North America.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
New upgraders are needed to meet this goal as the oil sands expand.
Globe and Mail (2012)
More will be invested when they are integrated into oil sands developments.
Globe and Mail (2014)
Several oil sands firms have already taken steps to increase offshore work.
Globe and Mail (2010)
They claim that giving up the oil sands would accelerate coal consumption.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
That’s because oil sands production is soaring.
Globe and Mail (2014)
I have family who work in the oil sands.
Globe and Mail (2014)
Integrating oil-sands production with refining is a big advantage.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There is no liquid oil in the oil sands.
Globe and Mail (2003)
Last year, the group spent 1.2 billion on oil sands projects.