specifically: any of a series of open-chain hydrocarbons CnH2n+2 (such as methane and butane)
called alsoparaffin
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThe ethane family, called alkanes, includes propane, methane, and paraffin. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 13 Jan. 2020 There is something in the air these days in Washington: methane with a smattering of higher alkanes and perhaps a little hydrogen sulfide. Spencer Jakab, WSJ, 30 May 2019 The product, which purports to help give skin a healthy, dewy look, is made with skin-loving ingredients like coconut alkanes, coconut milk, coconut water and coconut polysaccharides. Courtney Ortega, star-telegram.com, 5 May 2017