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methane |
3 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Methane \Meth"ane\, n. [See {Methal}.] (Chem.) A light, colorless, gaseous, inflammable hydrocarbon, {CH4}; marsh gas. See {Marsh gas}, under {Gas}. {Methane series} (Chem.), a series of saturated hydrocarbons, of which methane is the first member and type and (because of their general chemical inertness and indifference) called also the {paraffin (little affinity) series}. The lightest members are gases, as methane, ethane; intermediate members are liquids, as hexane, heptane, etc (found in benzine, kerosene, etc.); while the highest members are white, waxy, or fatty solids, as paraffin proper. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: {Gas fitter}, one who lays pipes and puts up fixtures for gas. {Gas fitting}. a The occupation of a gas fitter. b pl The appliances needed for the introduction of gas into a building, as meters, pipes, burners, etc {Gas fixture}, a device for conveying illuminating or combustible gas from the pipe to the gas-burner, consisting of an appendage of cast, wrought, or drawn metal, with tubes upon which the burners, keys, etc., are adjusted. {Gas generator}, an apparatus in which gas is evolved; as: a a retort in which volatile hydrocarbons are evolved by heat; b a machine in which air is saturated with the vapor of liquid hydrocarbon; a carburetor; c a machine for the production of carbonic acid gas, for a["e]rating water, bread, etc --Knight. {Gas jet}, a flame of illuminating gas. {Gas machine}, an apparatus for carbureting air for use as illuminating gas. {Gas meter}, an instrument for recording the quantity of gas consumed in a given time, at a particular place {Gas retort}, a retort which contains the coal and other materials, and in which the gas is generated, in the manufacture of gas. {Gas stove}, a stove for cooking or other purposes, heated by gas. {Gas tar}, coal tar. {Gas trap}, a drain trap; a sewer trap. See 4th {Trap}, 5. {Gas washer} (Gas Works), an apparatus within which gas from the condenser is brought in contact with a falling stream of water, to precipitate the tar remaining in it --Knight. {Gas water}, water through which gas has been passed for purification; -- called also {gas liquor} and {ammoniacal water}, and used for the manufacture of sal ammoniac, carbonate of ammonia, and Prussian blue. --Tomlinson. {Gas well}, a deep boring, from which natural gas is discharged. --Raymond. {Gas works}, a manufactory of gas, with all the machinery and appurtenances; a place where gas is generated for lighting cities. {Laughing gas}. See under {Laughing}. {Marsh gas} (Chem.), a light, combustible, gaseous hydrocarbon, {CH4}, produced artificially by the dry distillation of many organic substances, and occurring as a natural product of decomposition in stagnant pools, whence its name It is an abundant ingredient of ordinary illuminating gas, and is the first member of the paraffin series. Called also {methane}, and in coal mines, {fire damp}. {Natural gas}, gas obtained from wells, etc., in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and elsewhere, and largely used for fuel and illuminating purposes. It is chiefly derived from the Coal Measures. {Olefiant gas} (Chem.). See {Ethylene}. {Water gas} (Chem.), a kind of gas made by forcing steam over glowing coals, whereby there results a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This gives a gas of intense heating power, but destitute of light-giving properties, and which is charged by passing through some volatile hydrocarbon, as gasoline. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: methane n : a colorless odorless gas used as a fuel
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