methane
/ˈmiːθeɪn/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: methanes
Sense 1
Meaning · English
The simplest aliphatic hydrocarbon, CH₄, being a constituent of natural gas, and one of the most abundant greenhouse gases.
Noun
Examples
Cattle emit a large amount of methane.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Any of very many derivatives of methane.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “methane” mean?
The simplest aliphatic hydrocarbon, CH₄, being a constituent of natural gas, and one of the most abundant greenhouse gases.
Is “methane” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.