butane

American  

[byoo-teyn, byoo-teyn] / ˈbyu teɪn, byuˈteɪn /

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.

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butane British  

/ 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

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butane Scientific  

/ 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 .

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Etymology

Origin of butane

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

Example Sentences

The blast was caused by a build-up of the highly flammable butane, the gas used in the production process, which was taking place while the neighbours all slept peacefully nearby.

From BBC • May 14, 2025

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 • Apr. 9, 2024

But in return, the company would retain the valuable byproducts of the gas-leaning process, like propane and butane, which it could sell at a profit.

From New York Times • Feb. 9, 2024

Three sources with direct knowledge of the situation told Reuters that Taman will suspend handling of LPG, also referred to as propane and butane, because of the explosive nature of the fuel.

From Reuters • Jun. 2, 2023

He’d already found a plastic box of butane lighters and he lit the lamp with one of them and adjusted the flame and hung it back up.

From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy