methane
nounattested in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈmiːθeɪn//
- Canada//ˈmɛθeɪn//
The simplest aliphatic hydrocarbon, CH₄, being a constituent of natural gas, and one of the most abundant greenhouse gases.
noun
- 1
The simplest aliphatic hydrocarbon, CH₄, being a constituent of natural gas, and one of the most abundant greenhouse gases.
Cattle emit a large amount of methane.
Methane, an invisible, odorless gas that makes up more than 95% of natural gas fuel, can be as much as 80 times more potent as a global warmer per given unit than CO₂, which is more plentiful in the atmosphere. While there are less emissions than CO₂, methane lasts around 12 years, while CO₂ lingers for centuries.
- 2
Any of very many derivatives of methane.
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *médʰu Proto-Hellenic *métʰu Ancient Greek μέθυ (méthu) Proto-Indo-European *swel-der.? Ancient Greek ῡ̔́λη (hū́lē)der. German -yl German Methylbor. English methyl Proto-Indo-European *-nós Proto-Italic *-nos Proto-Italic *-ānos Latin -ānusder. English -ane English methane From methyl + -ane.
Forms
- plural
- methanes
methane · The simplest aliphatic hydrocarbon, CH₄, being a constituent of natural gas, and one of the most abundant greenhouse gases.
method · A process by which a task is completed; a way of doing…meticulous · Characterized by very precise, conscientious attention to…metre · The basic unit of length in the International System of Units…