Marginal Field
A field that may not produce enough net income to make it worth developing at a given time; should technical or economic conditions change, such a field may become commercial.

MCF
The abbreviation for "thousand cubic feet," the standard measure for natural gas.

Measured Depth
The depth of the well measured along the wellbore. Also called logged or driller’s depth.

Mercaptans
Compounds of carbon, hydrogen and sulfur found in sour crude and gas; the lower mercaptans have a strong, repulsive odor and are used, among other things, to odorize natural gas.

Metallocene Catalyst
Precision catalysts that provide extended manufacturing control over the molecular structure and properties of polyethylene. When used to manufacture linear low-density polyethylene (LDLPE), the result is a film of exceptional clarity and strength that is ideal for food packaging.

Metallocene Compounds
The key ingredients in the company's proprietary metallocene catalyst.

Methane
The principal constituent of natural gas.

Methyl Mercaptan
A sulfur-based chemical used primarily to produce methionine (a food supplement for poultry) and agricultural chemicals.

Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE)
A lead-free, anti-knock additive for gasolines.

Mission
ConocoPhillips' corporate mission is to provide superior financial returns for its shareholders.

MMCFD
Million cubic feet per day.

Monomer
A simple molecular unit (such as ethylene or styrene) from which a polymer can be made.

Motor Oil
Refined lubricating oil, usually containing additives; used as a lubricant in internal combustion engines. Phillips' brand is called TropArtic.