butane

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

noun Chemistry.

a colorless, flammable gas, C4H10, a saturated aliphatic existing in two isometric forms: used chiefly in the manufacture of rubber and as fuel.

Origin of butane

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

Example sentences from the Web for butane

British Dictionary definitions for butane

butane
/ (ˈbjuːteɪn, bjuːˈteɪn) /

noun

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

Word Origin for butane

C19: from but ( yl) + -ane

Medical definitions for butane

butane
[ byōōtān′ ]

n.

Either of two isomers of a gaseous hydrocarbon produced synthetically from petroleum and used as a refrigerant, as a aerosol propellant, and in the manufacture of synthetic rubber.

Scientific definitions for butane

butane
[ byōōtān′ ]

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: C4H10.