Methane

Pronunciation: /ˈmɛˌθeɪn/

Definitions of methane

noun a colorless, odorless flammable gas that is the main constituent of natural gas and is used as a fuel

Example Sentences

A1 Methane is a type of gas that can be used for cooking.

A2 Farm animals produce methane when they digest their food.

B1 The main component of natural gas is methane.

B2 Scientists are studying ways to capture methane emissions from landfills.

C1 Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

C2 The chemical formula for methane is CH4.

Examples of methane in a Sentence

formal Methane is a colorless, odorless gas that is the main component of natural gas.

informal Did you know that methane is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming?

slang Some people call methane 'fart gas' because it is produced by animals when they pass gas.

figurative His jokes were like methane, spreading quickly and leaving everyone gasping for air.

Grammatical Forms of methane

• past tense: methaned
• plural: methanes
• comparative: more methane
• superlative: most methane
• present tense: methanes
• future tense: will methane
• perfect tense: has methaned
• continuous tense: is methaning
• singular: methane
• positive degree: methane
• infinitive: to methane
• gerund: methaning
• participle: methaned

Origin and Evolution of methane

First Known Use: 1867 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'methane' originates from a combination of the Greek word 'methy' meaning wine or spirits, and the suffix '-ane' which is used in chemistry to denote a hydrocarbon.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of chemistry to describe a specific hydrocarbon compound, the word 'methane' has since become a commonly used term to refer to a greenhouse gas and a major component of natural gas.