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

Unlike hydrogen produced through processes such as steam methane reforming or water electrolysis, geologic hydrogen occurs naturally, much like oil or natural gas. —Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025

Natural gas creates fewer emissions than coal when it's burned, but producing and transporting gas can release huge amounts of methane, a potent climate pollutant. —Michael Copley, NPR, 17 Jan. 2025

The oxygen, methane and ozone of modern Earth are examples of possible biosignatures, Arney said. —Tariq Malik, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2025

Among the challenges for such a 24-hour turnaround included replenishing liquid oxygen, methane, and other commodities needed to fuel the large booster. —Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 14 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