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 Earlier this week, authorities said that the building was not supposed to contain the butane and nitrous oxide tanks that were found on the property. Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 8 Mar. 2024 Township officials said Tuesday that butane and nitrous oxide, lighter fluid, vape pens, and canisters measuring 12-18 inches and weighing 10-15 pounds exploded during the blaze at Goo. Elissa Robinson, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 On the other hand, solvent extraction employs solvents like ethanol or butane to dissolve cannabinoids and separate them from unwanted plant material. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2023 In 2022, at least four people, including two firefighters, were injured in an explosion at a makeshift lab in Orange County used to process hash oil, which is extracted from marijuana plants using butane. Marisa Gerber, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 Authorities acknowledge that thin-walled canisters containing butane are a concern for more potential explosions, particularly when trying to move the structural steel. Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 8 Mar. 2024 Crews believe the canisters that went flying from the building Monday night contained nitrous oxide and butane. Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 Inside the facility were 100,000 vape pens, each with a lithium battery, plus a currently unknown number of canisters filled with nitrous oxide and butane, officials said. Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2024 The violations ranged from cans of butane stored above food and utensils to cooked pork stored in plastic bags rather than food-grade containers. Michael Braga, The Arizona Republic, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'butane.' 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 butyric + -ane

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of butane was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near butane

Cite this Entry

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

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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