methane

plural methanes

1. uncountablechemistryThe simplest aliphatic hydrocarbon, CH₄, being a constituent of natural gas, and one of the most abundant greenhouse gases.

   Cattle emit a large amount of methane.

   1 more example

   Methane, an invisible, odorless gas that makes up more than 95% of natural gas fuel, can be as much as 80 times more potent as a global warmer per given unit than CO₂, which is more plentiful in the atmosphere. While there are less emissions than CO₂, methane lasts around 12 years, while CO₂ lingers for centuries.

   2020 April 7, John Fialka, “As CO₂ Emissions Drop During Pandemic, Methane May Rise”, in Scientific American

   Synonyms: methyl hydride, carbon tetrahydride

2. countablechemistryAny of very many derivatives of methane.