hexane

noun

hex·​ane ˈhek-ˌsān How to pronounce hexane (audio)
: any of several isomeric volatile liquid alkanes C6H14 found in petroleum

Examples of hexane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The unauthorized installations, which began in 2017, caused a considerable increase in emissions, including a net annual increase of 40 tons of a volatile organic compound called hexane, according to MDE’s complaint. Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 31 July 2024 This process uses heat and chemical solvents such as hexane, which has been shown to be neurotoxic to humans. Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 10 July 2024 They are committed to routine testing of their ingredients and products for metals like arsenic, lead and mercury, and have made other efforts like finding a separation method that does not require harsh chemical solvents like hexane. Stefani Sassos, Ms, Rdn, Cso, Cdn, Nasm-Cpt, Good Housekeeping, 24 May 2022 To seal the deal, Wen washed the CHCs off dead bees with hexane, which can dissolve waxes and oils, heated them up to about the temperature of a live bee, and placed them back in their respective hives. Eva Frederick, Science | AAAS, 20 Mar. 2020 As a branched hexane, the chemical has six carbon atoms arranged along a bent backbone. W. Wayt Gibbs, Science | AAAS, 12 Nov. 2019 The chemicals released in the week after Harvey made landfall, including benzene, 1,3-butadiene, hexane, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, toluene and xylene. Paige Winfield Cunningham, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2017 The chemicals released in the week after Harvey made landfall include benzene, 1,3-butadiene, hexane, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, toluene and xylene. The Washington Post, cleveland.com, 4 Sep. 2017 When destined for food products, the oil is processed without the use of harsh solvents such as hexane, the company said. Peter Whoriskey, chicagotribune.com, 5 June 2017

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hexane was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near hexane

Cite this Entry

“Hexane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hexane. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

hexane

noun
hex·​ane ˈhek-ˌsān How to pronounce hexane (audio)
: any of several isomeric volatile liquid alkanes C6H14 found in petroleum

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