Ethane \Eth"ane\, 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, aldehyde, ether, and acetic acid. Called also dimethyl.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)