methane

meth-ane · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A colorless, odorless flammable gas (CH4), the main constituent of natural gas.

  2. 2.

    A hydrocarbon produced by decomposing organic matter.

Related words

See also: carbon, gas, hydrocarbon
Synonyms: marsh gas, natural gas

Etymology

From English methyl (from Greek methy "wine" + hyle "wood") + chemical suffix -ane.