1. A hydrocarbon of the alkane series, containing only single bonds between carbon atoms.
Usage: chemistry; often used in compound names (e.g., methane, ethane, propane)

1. A suffix used to form the names of saturated hydrocarbons in organic chemistry.
Usage: chemistry; attached to a root indicating the number of carbon atoms

Examples

• Methane is the simplest ane, containing only one carbon atom.
• Propane is an ane commonly used as a fuel for grills and heaters.
• The suffix -ane indicates a saturated hydrocarbon with single bonds.
• Butane and pentane are both examples of anes found in petroleum.
• In chemistry class, students learn to name anes by counting carbon atoms.