ethane

[ eth-eyn ]

nounChemistry.
  1. a colorless, odorless, flammable gas, C2H6, of the methane series, present in natural gas, illuminating gas, and crude petroleum: used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a fuel gas.

Origin of ethane

1
First recorded in 1870–75; eth(yl) + -ane

Words Nearby ethane

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British Dictionary definitions for ethane

ethane

/ (ˈiːθeɪn, ˈɛθ-) /


noun
  1. a colourless odourless flammable gaseous alkane obtained from natural gas and petroleum: used as a fuel and in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Formula: C 2 H 6

Origin of ethane

1
C19: from eth (yl) + -ane

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for ethane

ethane

[ ĕthān′ ]


  1. A colorless, odorless, flammable gas occurring in natural gas. It is used as a fuel and in refrigeration. Ethane is the second member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: C2H6.

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