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Definition of methane

methane

/ˈmɛθ.eɪn/
meth · ane
Adjective:methanic
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methane Lexical Profile

methane Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A colorless, odorless, flammable gas that is the simplest alkane hydrocarbon and the primary component of natural gas, known for being a potent greenhouse gas.

Example

"Cows and other ruminants release significant amounts of methane into the atmosphere during their digestive process."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for methane

• Rhymes for methane

• Nearby Words

meteorite
meteorology
meter
methane
methanogen
methanogenesis
methanogenic

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1868 by the German chemist August Wilhelm von Hofmann from 'methyl' combined with the chemical suffix '-ane'. The root 'methyl' traces back to French 'méthyle', coined from the Greek words 'methy' (wine) and 'hyle' (wood).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Methane. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/methane
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