%ethane%

n. (Chem.) A colorless gas, CH3Cl, of a sweet odor, easily condensed to a liquid; -- called also methyl chloride. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Malamic + ethane. ] (Chem.) A white crystalline substance forming the ethyl salt of malamic acid. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ See Methal. ] (Chem.) A light, colorless, gaseous, inflammable hydrocarbon, CH4; marsh gas. It is the simplest of the aliphatic hydrocarbons. See Marsh gas, under Gas. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Nitro- + methane. ] (Chem.) A nitro derivative of methane (CH3.NO2), obtained as a mobile liquid; -- called also nitrocarbol. It has been used as a rocket fuel and as a gasoline additive to add power to the fuel, especially in racing cars. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Oxamic + ethyl. ] (Chem.) Ethyl oxamate, obtained as a white scaly crystalline powder. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Chem.) any polymer containing [ -NH.CO.O- ] linkages; such polymers are much used as the basis of light but rigid foams for packaging (
polyurethane foam) and for hard coatings, as on floors. [ PJC ]