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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishThe simplest natural gas, and a major contributor to global warming.
Common pairings
methane emissions
methane gas
methane levels
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Word forms
- Plural
- methanes
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
View more →
marsh gas
swamp gas
ch4
Rhymes for methane
See all rhymes for 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.
