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

Those emissions would have a climate-warming impact roughly equivalent to 27 gas-fired power plants operating year-round, even if the flares burned every molecule of methane released from the wells.

From Salon

That’s because one of the most common methods of producing it involves heating methane to release the hydrogen, which can also release nitrogen oxides and other pollutants in the process.

From Los Angeles Times

The decision forms the core of the federal government's authority to impose limits on carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases.

From BBC

Hydrogen sulfide and methane seep out of faults - or cracks - in the Earth's crust.

From BBC

“It also has methane and other molecules, including amino acids.”

From Salon