methane
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for methane, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A colourless, odourless gas (CH4) that is the main component of natural gas and a potent greenhouse gas.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use methane
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From methyl + the chemical suffix -ane.
Full origin of methane →Frequently asked questions
What does “methane” mean?
The word “methane” means a colourless, odourless gas (CH4) that is the main component of natural gas and a potent greenhouse gas. In plain terms, the simplest natural gas, and a major contributor to global warming.
How do you pronounce “methane”?
“Methane” is pronounced MEE-thayn (/ˈmɛθeɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “methane” in a sentence?
Here is “methane” used in a sentence: “Cattle farming releases large amounts of methane into the atmosphere.”
What part of speech is “methane”?
“Methane” is a noun.
Is “methane” a common word?
“Methane” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between methane and natural gas?
Methane is a single chemical compound (CH4), while natural gas is a naturally occurring mixture in which methane is the main component alongside smaller amounts of other gases. Methane is what makes natural gas useful as a fuel and what makes it a potent greenhouse gas.
Why is methane considered a potent greenhouse gas?
Methane traps heat in the atmosphere, which is why it is described as a potent greenhouse gas even though it occurs in smaller quantities than carbon dioxide. It is released both naturally and as part of natural gas use.
Can you smell a methane leak?
Methane itself is colourless and odourless, so gas suppliers add a distinct smell to natural gas specifically so that leaks can be detected. Without this added scent, methane would go unnoticed by smell alone.