ethane Chem.
(ˈɛθeɪn)
[f. eth- + -ane.]
The paraffin or saturated hydrocarbon, C2,H6, forming the second member of the series CnH2n+2; also called ethyl hydride and di-methyl; a colourless inodorous gas.
| 1873 Watts Fownes' Chem. (ed. 11) 545 We may take the formation of ethane from ethyl iodide. Ibid. (1877) II. 50 Ethane and propane..are given off from it [American petroleum] as gas at ordinary temperatures. |