butane

noun

bu·​tane ˈbyü-ˌtān 

: 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

Scientists at Yale University have developed a system that combines plasma and electricity to transform carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemicals, including methanol and butane. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026

Butane-free Reusable Lighters Skip the butane with sleek, rechargeable lighters from USB Lighter Co. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

Extraction companies often use flammable gases such as butane or propane to remove THC from the cannabis plant, according to Tulsa World. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

At the time, he was found to be in possession of waterproof matches and a butane lighter, the sheriff added. — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary butyric + -ane

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for butane

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• campaign
• cetane

Kids Definition

butane

noun

bu·​tane ˈbyü-ˌtān 

: 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 

: either of two isomeric flammable gaseous alkanes C₄H₁₀ obtained usually from petroleum or natural gas and used as fuels