propane

noun

pro·​pane ˈprō-ˌpān How to pronounce propane (audio)
: a heavy flammable gaseous alkane C3H8 found in crude petroleum and natural gas and used especially as fuel and in chemical synthesis

Examples of propane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Fire officials previously said a 500-gallon propane tank leaked fuel that seeped into a Sterling, Va. home on the night of the blast. Justin Jouvenal, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 Initial findings show the fire originated in a bedroom and point toward a propane space heater, the fire department said. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2024 Order a la carte or enjoy the four-course prefix menu while being enjoying sweater weather by the propane heaters. Laurie Larsh, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024 This involves tasks such as regular yard maintenance and removing any flammable material from around the perimeter of the home, including propane tanks, stacks of firewood, and patio cushions. Coleby Phillips, The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024 Fire department officials have said a leaking propane tank stored underground at a residential property in Sterling, Va., probably caused a large explosion, destroying the home and damaging nearby residences in what neighbors described as a warzone-like scene. Salvador Rizzo, Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2024 After receiving a 911 call from a resident about a gassy odor, the crew arrived at the house on Friday night and discovered a 500-gallon underground propane tank and a leak on the side of the residence. Brian Anthony Hernandez, Peoplemag, 18 Feb. 2024 One tenant was keeping propane tanks, others were storing vehicles and several more had improperly stored lumber or wooden pallets, inspectors found. Christopher Weber, Quartz, 7 Feb. 2024 The source of ignition that set off a chain-reaction explosion involving at least six large propane tanks is under investigation. Joe Rubin, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'propane.' 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

International Scientific Vocabulary prop- + -ane

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propane was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near propane

Cite this Entry

“Propane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propane. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

propane

noun
pro·​pane ˈprō-ˌpān How to pronounce propane (audio)
: a heavy flammable gas found in crude petroleum and natural gas and used especially as fuel and in the chemical industry

Medical Definition

propane

noun
pro·​pane ˈprō-ˌpān How to pronounce propane (audio)
: a heavy flammable gaseous alkane C3H8 found in crude petroleum and natural gas and used especially as fuel and in chemical synthesis

More from Merriam-Webster on propane

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