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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Spray personal-care products, including dry shampoos, often contain propellants like propane and butane that are petroleum distillates made by refining crude oil. Time, 2 Nov. 2022 Most cannabis producers will use BHO (butane hash oil) or CO2 (carbon dioxide) to extract cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 19 Oct. 2022 Some mosquito repellent devices use replaceable butane cartridges, which provide about 12 hours of allethrin-diffusing power a pop. John Sass, Field & Stream, 11 Apr. 2023 Cortney came across Nayeri and Kyle horsing around with a butane torch, cackling and shrieking in mock agony. Tim Dickinson, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2022 Using plasma lighters rather than traditional butane lighters is the greenest way to get an instant spark. Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 2 Mar. 2021 Comparing just the fuel types, propane is better suited for camping in colder climates than butane and isobutane. Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2023 The boy's injuries included numerous abrasions and bruises on his head, back, chest, belly and arms — and burns to his groin consistent with a butane torch found in the apartment where the boy lived, according to a summary of the coroner's findings in the affidavit. Mead Gruver, ajc, 1 July 2021 Their Block Table Lighter, one of the company’s most popular products, is a minimalist decor piece at first glance but packed inside its aluminum exterior is a high powered butane lighter — perfect for lighting up a late-night jay without the fuss. Anna Tingley, Variety, 31 Jan. 2023 See More

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 31 May. 2023.

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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