methane

[meth-eyn, mee-theyn]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, odorless, flammable gas, CH 4 , the main constituent of marsh gas and the firedamp of coal mines, obtained commercially from natural gas: the first member of the methane, or alkane, series of hydrocarbons.

methane

/ ˈmiːθeɪn /

noun

1. a colourless odourless flammable gas, the simplest alkane and the main constituent of natural gas: used as a fuel. Formula: CH 4 See also marsh gas firedamp

methane

1. A colorless, odorless, flammable gas that is the simplest hydrocarbon. It is the major constituent of natural gas and is released during the decomposition of plant or other organic compounds, as in marshes and coal mines. Methane is the first member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: CH ₄ .

Word History and Origins

Origin of methane¹

First recorded in 1865–70; meth- + -ane

Word History and Origins

Origin of methane¹

C19: from _meth ( _yl ) + _-ane

Example Sentences

But in 1997, his team created a stable material that could absorb and release methane, nitrogen and oxygen.

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Large methane leaks not only unleash massive amounts of the greenhouse gas, but are also carry a toxic mix of air pollutants.

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He said on occasion when he’s outside there’s an odor that smells like methane that comes from the refinery.

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The organic waste separates into a flammable gas — made of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen — and a small amount of solid waste.

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Even though growing rice produces methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas, initial results from the trials so far suggest the rice crop is not producing more emissions than it helps lock away.

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