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

Chiron has both carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ice alongside carbon dioxide and methane gases in the cloud-like envelope of dust and gas that surrounds it–called a coma. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Dec. 2024

Human sources of methane emissions include oil and gas systems, landfills, wastewater treatment facilities and a host of other industrial processes. —Paulina Smolinski, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024

The proposal includes a methane emissions reduction target of 35% below 2005 levels by 2035. —Andrew Freedman, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024

This first-of-its-kind facility in Southeast Asia will enhance methane emissions management efforts by supporting experts to oversee measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification processes, as well as research and development initiatives. —Petronas Contributor, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

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