alkane

noun

al·kane | \ ˈal-ˌkān

How to pronounce alkane (audio)

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Definition of alkane

: any of numerous saturated hydrocarbons specifically : any of a series of open-chain hydrocarbons C_nH_2n₊₂ (such as methane and butane)

— called also paraffin

Examples of alkane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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, "Could this tropical fruit be the secret to helping makeup survive the summer?," 5 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alkane.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Time Traveler for alkane

The first known use of alkane was in 1899

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More Definitions for alkane

alkane

noun

al·kane | \ ˈal-ˌkān

\

Medical Definition of alkane

: any of a series of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons C_nH₂_n₊₂ (as methane)

— called also paraffin

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