alkane

noun

al·​kane ˈal-ˌkān How to pronounce alkane (audio)
: any of numerous saturated hydrocarbons
specifically : any of a series of open-chain hydrocarbons CnH2n+2 (such as methane and butane)

called also paraffin

Examples of alkane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the subsequent conversion stage, a catalyzing puck is introduced to catalyze the mix of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, producing a reactor liquid made of alcohols, alkanes and water. Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 3 Mar. 2023 But, mix an alkane like decane with a ringed molecule like toluene and the mixture will foam. Chris Lee, Ars Technica, 10 Nov. 2020 The ethane family, called alkanes, includes propane, methane, and paraffin. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 13 Jan. 2020 There is something in the air these days in Washington: methane with a smattering of higher alkanes and perhaps a little hydrogen sulfide. Spencer Jakab, WSJ, 30 May 2019 The product, which purports to help give skin a healthy, dewy look, is made with skin-loving ingredients like coconut alkanes, coconut milk, coconut water and coconut polysaccharides. Courtney Ortega, star-telegram.com, 5 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alkane.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

alkyl + -ane

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkane was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near alkane

Cite this Entry

“Alkane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkane. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

alkane

noun
al·​kane ˈal-ˌkān How to pronounce alkane (audio)
: any of a series of compounds of carbon and hydrogen atoms in which each carbon atom is attached to four other atoms

Medical Definition

alkane

noun
al·​kane ˈal-ˌkān How to pronounce alkane (audio)
: any of a series of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons CnH2n+2 (as methane)

called also paraffin

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