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.

Nearby words

Origin of hexane

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for 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

hexane

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

Medicine definitions for hexane

hexane

[hĕk′sān′]

n.

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

Science definitions for hexane

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.