methane

[ meth-eyn; British 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

/ mĕth′ān′ /

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

Chemists have developed a novel way to capture and convert carbon dioxide into methane, suggesting that future gas emissions could be converted into an alternative fuel using electricity from renewable sources.

From Science Daily

However, the system rewards larger-scale manure production, as more methane generates more credits and profits.

From Los Angeles Times

Reusing the Super Heavy booster dramatically cut costs, with each booster powered by 33 engines fueled by methane.

From Los Angeles Times

The American Petroleum Institute said it hopes the agency will revoke regulations on vehicle emissions and fees on methane emissions from oil and gas production.

From Science Magazine

For example, methane is of particular relevance to the global greenhouse effect because its warming potential is 25 times higher than that of carbon dioxide.

From Science Daily