butane

noun

bu·​tane ˈbyü-ˌtān How to pronounce butane (audio)
: either of two isomeric flammable gaseous alkanes C4H10 obtained usually from petroleum or natural gas and used as fuels

Examples of butane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As the team says, this will get you almost 50 10-ounce (280-g) steaks cooked with one 16-ounce (450 g) propane gas supply (it can also be fueled by butane). New Atlas, 23 Apr. 2025 In addition to liquid oil, the pyrolysis process generates natural gases, such as methane, ethane, butane and propane. Alexander Kaplitz, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2025 The building where a massive fire rocked Clinton Township and neighboring Macomb County communities on Monday that led to explosions causing the death of a teenager and injury to a firefighter wasn't supposed to have butane and nitrous oxide tanks. Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2024 Refiners achieve this by removing the more volatile components—particularly butane, which is inexpensive and plentiful but evaporates easily. Robert Rapier, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for butane

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary butyric + -ane

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of butane was in 1872

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Butane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butane. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

butane

noun
bu·​tane ˈbyü-ˌtān How to pronounce butane (audio)
: either of two flammable gases that are hydrocarbons obtained usually from petroleum or natural gas and used especially as a fuel

Medical Definition

butane

noun
bu·​tane ˈbyü-ˌtān How to pronounce butane (audio)
: either of two isomeric flammable gaseous alkanes C4H10 obtained usually from petroleum or natural gas and used as fuels

More from Merriam-Webster on butane

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