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

Ethane, propane and butane are all considered natural-gas liquids, and are used as inputs for petrochemical plants, and cooking and heating.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

But the TSA said their counterpart has restrictions: cordless hair styling tools that are powered by lithium metal or lithium ion batteries or gas or butane fuel are only allowed in carry-on bags.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2025

The blast was caused by a build-up of the highly flammable butane, the gas used in the production process, which was taking place while the neighbours all slept peacefully nearby.

From BBC • May 14, 2025

But in return, the company would retain the valuable byproducts of the gas-leaning process, like propane and butane, which it could sell at a profit.

From New York Times • Feb. 9, 2024

He lit it up with a butane lighter that made a flame approximately as large as my middle finger.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini