ethane

[ eth-eyn ]
/ ˈɛθ eɪn /

noun Chemistry.

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.
Also called dimethyl.

Origin of ethane

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

Words nearby ethane

ethambutol, ethamine, ethan, ethan frome, ethanal, ethane, ethanedioic acid, ethanediol, ethanethiol, ethanim, ethanoic acid

Example sentences from the Web for ethane

British Dictionary definitions for ethane

ethane
/ (ˈiːθeɪn, ˈɛθ-) /

noun

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

Word Origin for ethane

C19: from eth ( yl) + -ane

Scientific definitions for ethane

ethane
[ ĕth′ān′ ]

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.