butane

American  

[byoo-teyn, byoo-teyn] / ˈbyu teɪn, byuˈteɪn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, flammable gas, C 4 H 10 , a saturated aliphatic existing in two isomeric forms: used chiefly in the manufacture of rubber and as fuel.

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butane British  

/ bjuːˈteɪn, ˈbjuːteɪn /

noun

1. a colourless flammable gaseous alkane that exists in two isomeric forms, both of which occur in natural gas. The stable isomer, n -butane, is used mainly in the manufacture of rubber and fuels (such as Calor Gas). Formula: C 4 H 10

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butane Scientific  

/ byo̅o̅′tān′ /

1. An organic compound found in natural gas and produced from petroleum. Butane is used as a household fuel, refrigerant, and propellant in aerosol cans. It is the fourth member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: C ₄ H ₁₀ .

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Etymology

Origin of butane

First recorded in 1870–75; but(yl) + -ane

Example Sentences

Butane, C4H10, used in camping stoves and lighters is an alkane.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Butane exists as two isomers, n−butane and isobutane.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Butane, C4H10, is the fuel used in disposable lighters and is a gas at standard temperature and pressure.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Butane climbed 31 percent since early July to $1.70 a gallon.

From BusinessWeek • Jan. 12, 2011

Butane, used for heating, welding, motor fuel, is extremely plentiful and cheap.

From Time Magazine Archive