propane

[ proh-peyn ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, flammable gas, C 3 H 8 , of the alkane series, occurring in petroleum and natural gas: used chiefly as a fuel and in organic synthesis.

propane

/ ˈprəʊpeɪn /

noun

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

propane

/ prō′pān′ /

1. 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: C 3 H 8 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of propane¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of propane¹

C19: from propionic acid + -ane

Example Sentences

When power outages render traditional appliances useless, items like portable stoves, propane burners, grills or solar cookers can become invaluable.

From Salon

Many residents, though, have said they are facing costs closer to $100,000 from the last few weeks’ events, which left them scrambling to fortify homes’ foundations, switch to off-grid solar energy and convert natural gas lines to propane.

From Los Angeles Times

Beyond the closed roads, damaged homes and transformed landscapes caused by the devastating and ongoing land movement, they have found themselves struggling to safely store food and secure stable power while running repeatedly to the gas station for more ice and propane to keep their house, and lives, afloat.

From Los Angeles Times

For Barker and his family, it’s been weeks of taking cold showers, eating takeout and Crock-Pot meals and grappling with the impossible math of which investments — installing a large propane tank, converting gas-powered appliances, switching to solar panels — are feasible or even possible for a house on the edge of disaster.

From Los Angeles Times

Residents whose service has been turned off should not attempt to restore service themselves or connect alternative fuels like propane to their natural gas meters, because it is dangerous.

From Los Angeles Times