butane

noun
bu·​tane | \ ˈbyü-ˌtān How to pronounce butane (audio) \

Definition of butane

: 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

Fractionators separate natural gas liquids into separate individual products, such as butane, ethane and propane, which can be used to make petrochemicals. Marissa Luck, Houston Chronicle, "Phillips 66 profits boosted by pipeline, NGLs," 26 July 2019 The June 21 fire at 150-year-old Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery complex in the South Philadelphia plant erupted after a fire in a vat of butane reportedly triggered a massive explosion. And, USA TODAY, "Shutdown of fire-gutted massive Philadelphia refinery pushes gas prices higher, costs 1,000 jobs," 27 June 2019 Better butane trading results also helped in Sweeny. Marissa Luck, Houston Chronicle, "Phillips 66 profits boosted by pipeline, NGLs," 26 July 2019 An explosion that rocked a Mira Mesa house May 5, with a blast strong enough to blow the garage door off the home in a quiet, suburban neighborhood, was the result of a butane hash oil extraction lab gone awry. San Diego Union-Tribune, "San Diego hash oil labs growing in sophistication, but who’s behind them?," 24 June 2019 Clear distances for fountains and ground fireworks are 35 feet and 150 feet for aerial fireworks. Properly lighting fireworks Use an extended butane lighting device or flare. Chris Sims, Indianapolis Star, "How to stay safe during your Fourth of July fireworks show," 25 June 2019 The author wisely advises carrying both matches (wood, strike-anywhere) and a lighter (butane). Bill Heavey, WSJ, "Summer Books 2019: Camping," 24 May 2019 The fire started with an explosion on June 21 from a vat of butane and propane, eventually engulfing the refinery and raising air quality concerns. Michelle Lou, CNN, "Philadelphia refinery shutdown could raise gas prices in the northeastern US," 26 June 2019 The fire erupted in a tank containing a mixture of butane and propane, a fire official said. Washington Post, "Gas prices could rise after fire-stricken refinery closes," 26 June 2019

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

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First Known Use of butane

1872, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for butane

International Scientific Vocabulary butyric + -ane

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More Definitions for butane

butane

noun

English Language Learners Definition of butane

: a type of gas that is used in a liquid form as a fuel usually for cooking or heating

butane

noun
bu·​tane | \ ˈbyü-ˌtān How to pronounce butane (audio) \

Medical Definition of butane

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