noun
pentane
PEN-tayn
Pentane (noun) means a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C5H12, which exists as three isomers and is a volatile liquid under normal conditions. Example: “Pentane evaporates quickly at room temperature.”
noun
1
technical A hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C5H12, which exists as three isomers and is a volatile liquid under normal conditions.
"Pentane evaporates quickly at room temperature."
"The chemist labeled the flask pentane and stored it away from heat."
"Isopentane is one of the three isomers of pentane."
Examples of pentane in a sentence →
How to use pentane
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA liquid hydrocarbon made of five carbon atoms.
When to use it
It is used in chemistry and related technical writing.
Memory tip
The pent- part points to five carbon atoms, which matches the 5 in C5H12.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
n-pentane
liquid pentane
pentane vapor
isomers of pentane
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_____ evaporates quickly at room temperature.
Etymology
The word is built in English from the prefix pent- and the suffix -ane, the ending used for this kind of hydrocarbon.
Rhymes for pentane
See all rhymes for pentane →Frequently asked questions
What is pentane?
Pentane is a hydrocarbon with the formula C5H12. It is a volatile liquid under normal conditions.
What is the chemical formula of pentane?
The formula of pentane is C5H12.
How many isomers does pentane have?
Pentane has three isomers: n-pentane, methylbutane (isopentane) and dimethylpropane (neopentane).
What is the meaning of pentane?
"pentane" (noun) means a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C5H12, which exists as three isomers and is a volatile liquid under normal conditions.
