Definition of methane in English:
methane
noun ˈmiːθeɪnˈmɛθeɪnˈmɛθeɪn
mass nounChemistry A colourless, odourless flammable gas which is the main constituent of natural gas. It is the simplest member of the alkane series of hydrocarbons.
Chemical formula: CH₄
Example sentencesExamples
- Food waste is turned into hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide by the heat of the exhaust.
- Other trace gases include methane, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and ozone.
- For example, the alcohol derivative of methane is methanol and of ethane is ethanol.
- Natural gas is mostly methane with small quantities of ethane and other gases mixed in.
- Will it in the meantime be made from hydrocarbons like methane and natural gas?
Origin
Mid 19th century: from methyl + -ane2.