noun
ethane
ETH-ayn
Ethane (noun) means a gas made of carbon and hydrogen, with the formula C2H6, found as part of natural gas. Example: “Ethane is a gas at normal temperatures and pressures.”
noun
1
technical A gas made of carbon and hydrogen, with the formula C2H6, found as part of natural gas.
"Ethane is a gas at normal temperatures and pressures."
"Natural gas contains a small amount of ethane."
"The chemistry student drew the structure of ethane on the board."
How to use ethane
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA simple gas made of carbon and hydrogen, found in natural gas.
When to use it
It is a scientific term used mainly in chemistry and the energy industry.
Memory tip
The -ane ending marks a hydrocarbon of this kind, and eth- tells you it has two carbon atoms.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
ethene
ethanol →
Common pairings
ethane gas
ethane and methane
a molecule of ethane
ethane in natural gas
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Fill the gap
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_____ is a gas at normal temperatures and pressures.
Etymology
Ethane is formed from the element eth- and the chemical ending -ane. It was formed within English.
Rhymes for ethane
See all rhymes for ethane →Frequently asked questions
What is ethane?
Ethane is an aliphatic hydrocarbon with the formula C2H6. It is a gas at normal temperatures and pressures.
Where is ethane found?
Ethane is a constituent of natural gas.
How do you pronounce ethane?
In the US it is usually ETH-ayn, and in Received Pronunciation it is EETH-ayn.
What is the meaning of ethane?
"ethane" (noun) means a gas made of carbon and hydrogen, with the formula C2H6, found as part of natural gas.
