Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
ethane
eth′ane
(ĕth′ān)
, Noun.
[From
Ether
.] (Chem.)
A gaseous hydrocarbon,
C2H6
, forming a constituent of ordinary illuminating gas. It is the second member of the paraffin series, and its most important derivatives are common alcohol (ethyl alcohol), acetaldehyde, ether, and acetic acid. Called also dimethyl
.