Tridecane \Tri*dec"ane\ (tr[-i]*d[e^]k"[=a]n), n. [Pref. tri- + Gr. ? ten. So called from the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.] (Chem.) A hydrocarbon, {C13H28}, of the methane series, which is a probable ingredient both of crude petroleum and of kerosene, and is produced artificially as a light colorless liquid.