hexane

[hek-seyn]

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.

Origin of hexane

First recorded in 1875–80; hex- + -ane

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for hexane

Historical Examples of hexane

But we have more complex hydrocarbons such as C6H14, known as hexane.
Creative Chemistry
Edwin E. Slosson

British Dictionary definitions for hexane

hexane

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

Word Origin and History for hexane

paraffin hydrocarbon, 1872, from Greek hex "six" (see six) + chemical suffix -ane. So called for its six carbon atoms.

hexane in Medicine

hexane

[hĕk′sān′]

A colorless, flammable liquid, derived from the distillation of petroleum and used as a solvent.

hexane in Science

hexane

[hĕk′sān′]

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.