butane

noun

bu·​tane ˈbyü-ˌtān 

: either of two isomeric flammable gaseous alkanes C₄H₁₀ obtained usually from petroleum or natural gas and used as fuels

Examples of butane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This completely off-the-grid cabin runs on solar power, and features a kitchenette with a burner and butane stove as well as a private bathroom with a compostable toilet. —Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 22 Feb. 2025

Aerosols, along with gases like halothane, nitrous oxide, butane and more all fit under the umbrella of inhalants, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. —Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025

The other 15 percent is supplied via butane for water heating, clothes drying, and cooking. —Devorah Lev-Tov, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2024

Chicken stock for paella is warmed up on a second butane burner. —Lisa Shames, Chicago Tribune, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary butyric + -ane

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for butane

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• campaign
• cetane

Kids Definition

butane

noun

bu·​tane ˈbyü-ˌtān 

: either of two flammable gases that are hydrocarbons obtained usually from petroleum or natural gas and used especially as a fuel

Medical Definition

butane

noun

bu·​tane ˈbyü-ˌtān 

: either of two isomeric flammable gaseous alkanes C₄H₁₀ obtained usually from petroleum or natural gas and used as fuels