propane

[ proh-peyn ]

/ ˈproʊ peɪn /

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noun Chemistry.

a colorless, flammable gas, C3H8, of the alkane series, occurring in petroleum and natural gas: used chiefly as a fuel and in organic synthesis.

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Also called dimethylmethane.

Origin of propane

First recorded in 1866; prop(ionic) + -ane

Words nearby propane

propagate, propagated, propagation, propagator, propagule, propane, propanedioic, propanedioic acid, propanil, propanoic acid, propanol

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use propane in a sentence

You may consider turning on alternative heat sources that don’t rely on freshly squeezed grid juice, like an oven, a car, a generator, or a propane heater.
The safest ways to stay warm during a power outage|John Kennedy|February 18, 2021|Popular-Science
You won’t be doing much cooking here, though it does come with a mini fridge and a propane grill.
11 Amazing Airbnbs Near the Grand Canyon|Megan Michelson|February 15, 2021|Outside Online
Burning propane emits roughly 135 pounds of carbon dioxide per million BTU, according to the EPA.
Covid-19 sparked a run on outdoor heaters and fire pits. Which is better for the planet?|Sarah Kaplan|December 11, 2020|Washington Post
Anna Karion, a colleague of Bryner’s who works in NIST’s greenhouse gas measurements program, noted that wood — unlike propane — is a renewable fuel.
Covid-19 sparked a run on outdoor heaters and fire pits. Which is better for the planet?|Sarah Kaplan|December 11, 2020|Washington Post

Even if the place has propane heaters, it may not have enough to provide even coverage for all tables.
How to Layer for Outdoor Dining This Fall and Winter|Wes Siler|October 14, 2020|Outside Online
Propane cannons boom every 10 seconds, 24/7/365 to scare away the birds.
Our Trip to The Climate War's Ground Zero|Darren Aronofsky|September 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
One grill turned into a flame-thrower for a 28-year-old woman after the propane hose came loose and sprayed her with flames.
Fireworks, Lightning, Riding Lawnmowers and Other Summer Menaces|Trevor Butterworth|July 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
First Squad's vehicle had triggered a buried bomb containing artillery rounds and propane tanks.
The Mental Health of Our Wounded Warriors: PTSD Isn't the Only Affliction|Justin Green|February 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Unable to afford electricity, butane, or propane, the students, like their neighbors, relied on wood for their cooking.
Claremont McKenna Students Try Life on $1 a Day in ‘Living on One’|Robert Bryce|October 3, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Authorities found a cut propane-gas tank at the home of Perriello's brother, and suspected the attack was intended for him.
Obamacare Supporters Ousted in the Last Election Are Cheered by Court Ruling|Allison Yarrow|June 30, 2012|DAILY BEAST
A more complete idea of the notion of a compound radical follows from a consideration of the compound propane.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1|Various
The man filled a coffeepot from a water bag, brought out a propane-powered single-burner camp stove, and started the coffee going.
The Scarlet Lake Mystery|Harold Leland Goodwin
He lived through methane, through carbon dioxide, through nitrogen and propane.
Wainer|Michael Shaara
The jockey fed propane to the turbine and we took off like a scorched zarth.
Noble Redman|Jesse Franklin Bone

British Dictionary definitions for propane

propane

/ (ˈprəʊpeɪn) /

noun

a colourless flammable gaseous alkane found in petroleum and used as a fuel. Formula: CH 3 CH 2 CH 3

Word Origin for propane

C19: from propionic acid + -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 propane

propane

[ prō′pān′ ]

A colorless, gaseous hydrocarbon found in petroleum and natural gas. It is widely used as a fuel. Propane is the third member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: C3H8.