ethane
[ eth-eyn ]
/ ˈɛθ eɪn /
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noun Chemistry.
a colorless, odorless, flammable gas, C2H6, of the methane series, present in natural gas, illuminating gas, and crude petroleum: used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a fuel gas.
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Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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Also called dimethyl.
Words nearby ethane
ethaldehyde, ethambutol, ethamine, Ethan, ethanal, ethane, ethanedioic acid, ethanediol, ethanethiol, Ethan Frome, Ethanim
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for ethane
British Dictionary definitions for ethane
ethane
/ (ˈiːθeɪn, ˈɛθ-) /
noun
a colourless odourless flammable gaseous alkane obtained from natural gas and petroleum: used as a fuel and in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Formula: C 2 H 6
Word Origin for ethane
C19: from eth (yl) + -ane
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Scientific definitions for ethane
ethane
[ ĕth′ān′ ]
A colorless, odorless, flammable gas occurring in natural gas. It is used as a fuel and in refrigeration. Ethane is the second member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: C2H6.
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