butane

[ byoo-teyn, byoo-teyn ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, flammable gas, C 4 H 10 , a saturated aliphatic existing in two isomeric forms: used chiefly in the manufacture of rubber and as fuel.

butane

/ bjuːˈteɪn; ˈbjuːteɪn /

noun

1. a colourless flammable gaseous alkane that exists in two isomeric forms, both of which occur in natural gas. The stable isomer, n -butane, is used mainly in the manufacture of rubber and fuels (such as Calor Gas). Formula: C 4 H 10

butane

/ byo̅o̅′tān′ /

1. An organic compound found in natural gas and produced from petroleum. Butane is used as a household fuel, refrigerant, and propellant in aerosol cans. It is the fourth member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: C 4 H 10 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of butane¹

First recorded in 1870–75; but(yl) + -ane

Word History and Origins

Origin of butane¹

C19: from but ( yl ) + -ane

Example Sentences

Back then, he was nicknamed Butane.

From Los Angeles Times

Also inside: canisters of butane, a highly flammable and explosive substance used as fuel for camping stoves, torches and cigarette lighters.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors say he planned to use a metal pipe, butane fuel, a machete and, if he could get them, his father’s guns in the attack.

From Seattle Times

The gas entering the LNG facility is composed primarily of methane, but it also contains small amounts of ethane, propane, butane and other hydrocarbons collectively referred to as volatile organic compounds.

From Seattle Times

In 2022, at least four people, including two firefighters, were injured in an explosion at a makeshift lab in Orange County used to process hash oil, which is extracted from marijuana plants using butane.

From Los Angeles Times