pentane

[ pen-teyn ]

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a hydrocarbon of the methane series, existing in three liquid isomeric forms.
2. Also called normal pentane. the most important isomer of pentane, a colorless, flammable, water-insoluble, very volatile liquid, C 5 H 1 2 , obtained from petroleum by distillation: used chiefly as a solvent and in medicine as an anesthetic.

pentane

/ ˈpɛnteɪn /

noun

1. an alkane hydrocarbon having three isomers, esp the isomer with a straight chain of carbon atoms ( n -pentane) which is a colourless flammable liquid used as a solvent. Formula: C 5 H 12

pentane

/ pĕn′tān′ /

1. A colorless, flammable hydrocarbon derived from petroleum and used as a solvent. Pentane occurs in three isomers and is the fifth member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: C 5 H 12 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of pentane¹

1875–80; pent- ( def ) + -ane