butane (ˈbjuːteɪn, bjuːˈteɪn)

—n
	a colourless flammable gaseous alkane that exists in two isomeric forms, both of which occur in natural gas. The stable isomer, n-butane, is used mainly in the manufacture of rubber and fuels (such as Calor Gas). Formula: C₄H₁₀

[C19: from but(yl) + -ane]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

butane

1875, from but(yl), hydrocarbon from butyric acid, a product of fermentation found in rancid butter, from L. butyrum (see butter) + chemical suffix -ane.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage

Medical Dictionary

butane bu·tane (by&oomacr;'tān')
n.
Either of two isomers of a gaseous hydrocarbon produced synthetically from petroleum and used as a refrigerant, and aerosol propellant and in the manufacture of synthetic rubber.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage

Science Dictionary

butane (by

'tān') Pronunciation Key
An organic compound found in natural gas and produced from petroleum. Butane is used as a household fuel, refrigerant, and propellant in aerosol cans. It is the fourth member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: C₄H₁₀.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia

butane

either of two colourless, odourless, gaseous hydrocarbons (compounds of carbon and hydrogen), members of the series of paraffinic hydrocarbons. Their chemical formula is C4H10. The compound in which the carbon atoms are linked in a straight chain is denoted normal butane, or n-butane; the branched-chain form is isobutane. Both compounds occur in natural gas and in crude oil and are formed in large quantities in the refining of petroleum to produce gasoline.

Learn more about butane with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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Related Words

butadiene butanol cymogene

isobutane liquefied petroleum gas natural gas

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