methane

[meth-eyn, mee-theyn]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, odorless, flammable gas, CH 4 , the main constituent of marsh gas and the firedamp of coal mines, obtained commercially from natural gas: the first member of the methane, or alkane, series of hydrocarbons.

methane

/ ˈmiːθeɪn /

noun

1. a colourless odourless flammable gas, the simplest alkane and the main constituent of natural gas: used as a fuel. Formula: CH 4 See also marsh gas firedamp

methane

1. A colorless, odorless, flammable gas that is the simplest hydrocarbon. It is the major constituent of natural gas and is released during the decomposition of plant or other organic compounds, as in marshes and coal mines. Methane is the first member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: CH ₄ .

Word History and Origins

Origin of methane¹

First recorded in 1865–70; meth- + -ane

Word History and Origins

Origin of methane¹

C19: from _meth ( _yl ) + _-ane

Example Sentences

Food and other organic waste sent to landfills is a significant source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

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Meanwhile, fertiliser use emits nitrous oxide -- the third-most-potent greenhouse gas after methane and carbon dioxide.

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Slashing methane emissions -- the second-largest contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide -- is considered one of the fastest ways to curb global warming.

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This coupling affects nutrient cycling and influences the production or consumption of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.

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But environmental concerns arose from a series of methane, contaminated water and oil leaks.

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