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hexane

[ hek-seyn ]
/ ˈhɛk seɪn /
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noun
any of five isomeric hydrocarbons having the formula C6H14, of the alkane series, some of which are obtained from petroleum: used as solvents and chemical intermediates and in fuels.
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Origin of hexane

First recorded in 1875–80; hex- + -ane
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use hexane in a sentence

  • But we have more complex hydrocarbons such as C6H14, known as hexane.

    Creative Chemistry|Edwin E. Slosson

British Dictionary definitions for hexane

hexane
/ (ˈhɛkseɪn) /

noun
a liquid alkane existing in five isomeric forms that are found in petroleum and used as solvents, esp the isomer with a straight chain of carbon atoms (n- hexane). Formula: C 6 H 14

Word Origin for hexane

C19: from hexa- + -ane
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for hexane

hexane
[ hĕksān′ ]

A colorless flammable liquid derived from the fractional distillation of petroleum. It is used as a solvent and in low-temperature thermometers. Hexane is the sixth member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: C6H14.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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