methane — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The simplest aliphatic hydrocarbon, CH₄, being a constituent of natural gas, and one of the most abundant greenhouse gases.

   Usage

   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   methyl hydridecarbon tetrahydride

   Broader terms

   greenhouse gas

   Examples

   Cattle emit a large amount of methane.

   More examples (1)

   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.

   Usage

   • Countable

Noun

1. a colorless odorless gas used as a fuel

   Broader terms

   methane seriesalkane seriesalkaneparaffin seriesparaffingas