methane

noun

meth·​ane ˈme-ˌthān 

 British usually  ˈmē-

: a colorless odorless flammable gaseous hydrocarbon CH₄ that is a product of biological decomposition of organic matter and of the carbonization of coal, is used as a fuel and as a starting material in chemical synthesis, and is the simplest of the alkanes

Examples of methane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The other gases in the atmosphere can be really important too, such as the effects of carbon dioxide or methane on the global climate. —Daniel Freedman, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2025

Scientists have largely attributed this temperature rise to the increase of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, in Earth's atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. —Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2025

No technology to reduce methane emissions is perfect. —Marianne Krasny, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Municipal landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions in the nation. —Michelle Gale, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

methane

noun

meth·​ane ˈmeth-ˌān 

: a colorless odorless flammable gas that consists of carbon and hydrogen and is produced by decay of organic matter

Medical Definition

methane

noun

meth·​ane

ˈmeth-ˌān, British usually ˈmē-ˌthān

: a colorless, odorless, flammable, gaseous hydrocarbon CH₄ that is lighter than air, forms explosive mixtures with air or oxygen, and occurs naturally as a by-product of the decomposition of organic matter by anaerobic bacteria

called also marsh gas