noun Uncommon

methane

MEE-thayn

Methane (noun) means a colourless, odourless gas (CH4) that is the main component of natural gas and a potent greenhouse gas. Example: “Cattle farming releases large amounts of methane into the atmosphere.”

noun

A colourless, odourless gas (CH4) that is the main component of natural gas and a potent greenhouse gas.

"Cattle farming releases large amounts of methane into the atmosphere."

"Methane is flammable and burns with a pale blue flame."

How to use methane

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe simplest natural gas, and a major contributor to global warming.

Common pairings

methane emissions methane gas methane levels

Word forms

methanes plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Cattle farming releases large amounts of _____ into the atmosphere.

Etymology

From methyl + the chemical suffix -ane.

Synonyms

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marsh gas swamp gas ch4

Rhymes for methane

cane lane Dane mane vane pane bane sane wane Jane fane Zane

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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.