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: a colorless odorless flammable gaseous hydrocarbon CH4 that is a product of biological decomposition of organic matter and of the carbonization of coal, is used as a fuel and as a starting material in chemical synthesis, and is the simplest of the alkanes
Examples of methane in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Senate Republicans earlier this week introduced a Congressional Review Act resolution to stop implementation of the IRA's fee on methane, a greenhouse gas that often leaks undetected into the atmosphere.
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Chuck McCutcheon, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025
Another challenge is making methane from Martian water ice and atmospheric carbon dioxide.
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Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Feb. 2025
The extent of carbonate deposits at Borealis indicate that the mud volcano has likely been producing methane for thousands of years, the researchers say.
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Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2025
Euryarchaeota tend to thrive in extreme heat and reduce carbon dioxide to generate methane.
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Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 20 Jan. 2025
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Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
1867, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near methane
Cite this Entry
“Methane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methane. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
methane
noun
meth·ane
ˈmeth-ˌān
: a colorless odorless flammable gas that consists of carbon and hydrogen and is produced by decay of organic matter
Medical Definition
methane
noun
meth·ane
ˈmeth-ˌān, British usually ˈmē-ˌthān
: a colorless, odorless, flammable, gaseous hydrocarbon CH4 that is lighter than air, forms explosive mixtures with air or oxygen, and occurs naturally as a by-product of the decomposition of organic matter by anaerobic bacteria
called also marsh gas
More from Merriam-Webster on methane
Nglish: Translation of methane for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about methane
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