See Also: partisan(1)(dictionary)
partisan(2)(dictionary)
non-partisan(dictionary)
partisan 1, adjective(dictionary)
partisan 2, noun(dictionary)

alkane (sh) and partisan(2) (iou)


alkane (sh)




or paraffin

Any of a class of hydrocarbons whose molecules consist only of carbon and hydrogen atoms joined by single covalent bonds (General formula CnH(2n + 2)).

The simplest is methane (CH4). Alkanes with more than three carbon atoms may have straight and branched isomers. Cycloalkanes have ring structures (but are not aromatic compounds) with two fewer hydrogen atoms per molecule than the corresponding alkane; many have more than one ring. Commercial sources include petroleum and natural gas. Uses, often as mixtures, include fuels, solvents, and raw materials. See also paraffin.


partisan(2) (iou)



partisan noun2. Also partizan. M16.
[French partizane (now pertuisane, after pertuiser bore through) from Italian partesana dial. var. of partigiana use as noun (sc. arma weapon) of fem. of partigiano: see PARTISAN noun1 & adjective.]
Chiefly Hist.
A military weapon used by infantrymen in the 16th and 17th cents., consisting of a long-handled spear with a blade having one or more lateral cutting projections; such a weapon borne ceremonially by civic and Other guards. M16.
A soldier or civic guard armed with a partisan. M17.
? Obsolete after E18 until revived by Sir Walter Scott in E19.