methane series

5.1

A group of simple molecules made only of carbon and hydrogen, starting with methane

noun
/ˈmɛθeɪn ˈsɪriz/

Specialized

: serie del metano

Ethane and propane are the next two compounds in the methane series after methane.

Examples

All members of the methane series are saturated hydrocarbons with single covalent bonds.
Chemists study the physical properties of the methane series to understand trends in alkanes.
The methane series includes several important compounds.
Can you explain the methane series to me?
All members of the methane series are saturated hydrocarbons with single covalent bonds.
Chemists study the physical properties of the methane series to understand trends in alkanes.
Ethane and propane are the next two compounds in the methane series after methane.

Synonyms

alkane series

vsmethane series

Specialized

6.5

A group of simple chemicals made of carbon and hydrogen, like methane and propane

is the same group but defined as beginning specifically with the smallest member

paraffin series

vsmethane series

Specialized

6.4

A group of simple molecules like methane and propane made of hydrogen and carbon

is the same group but defined as beginning specifically with the smallest member

Surface Forms

methane series singular

methane series plural

Morphology

methane + series

The phrase is compositionally built from 'methane' + 'series', so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a set or group of things related to methane. However, the technical meaning (the homologous series of alkanes with formula CnH2n+2) requires domain-specific chemistry knowledge beyond B1, making the connection only partially predictable.

Etymology

Methane series paints a picture of a 'family' of simple gases: it begins with methane, and each next member adds the same small piece so you get ethane, propane, and so on. That's why it means 'a group of related simple gases that begin with methane'.