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

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

A propane tank in the middle of the yard was relocated, and the couple hopes to turn a shipping container left behind into an art space.

From Los Angeles Times

As fire engulfed the town, propane tanks exploded and power lines and burned-out cars blocked the road.

From BBC

He is working to switch his gas-powered appliances to propane — but he’s quickly finding it’s not a quick, or cheap, process.

From Los Angeles Times