methane

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmiːθeɪn, ˈmɛθeɪn/

noun

[mass noun] Chemistry
  • a colourless, odourless flammable gas which is the main constituent of natural gas. It is the simplest member of the alkane series of hydrocarbons.
    • Chemical formula: CH4

Origin:

mid 19th century: from methyl + -ane2