Methane
(noun)
A colorless, odorless, flammable gas that is the simplest member of the alkane series of hydrocarbons and the main component of natural gas.
Origin:
From new latin methānum, from greek μῆθος (mēthos) "bad smell" + new latin -anum.
Examples:
- The methane in the natural gas is responsible for the gas's flammability.
- Methane is a greenhouse gas that is much more potent than carbon dioxide.
- The cows in the farm generated a lot of methane.
- Methane is a major contributor to global warming.
- Methane can also be found in landfills, where it is produced by the decomposition of organic waste.