D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

ethane

/(ĕth"ān)/ · eth·ane · IPA /ˈɛθeɪn/
01 n. A gaseous hydrocarbon, C2H6, forming a constituent of ordinary illuminating gas. It is the second member of the paraffin series, and its mo…
  1. 1.
    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.(Chem.) Also: dimethyl