ethylene oxide

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, odorless, gaseous, toxic, ring compound, C 2 H 4 O, usually obtained by the oxidation of ethylene: used chiefly in the synthesis of ethylene glycol.

---

Etymology

Origin of ethylene oxide

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ethylene oxide

Kevin Wagner, vice president of the medical sterilizer company Sterigenics, messaged asking that nine facilities emitting the carcinogenic gas ethylene oxide, including near Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Charlotte and Atlanta, be exempted.

From Salon ● May 10, 2026

An estimated 50% of sterile medical devices in the U.S. are treated with ethylene oxide, or EtO, particularly those that can’t be cleaned using steam or radiation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 13, 2026

Higher autism severity scores and weaker daily living skills were also linked with ethylene oxide.

From Salon ● Aug. 21, 2025

The rule from which they are seeking relief applies to a chemical known as ethylene oxide, or EtO, which is commonly used to sterilize medical devices that can’t be cleaned using steam or radiation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2025

Because of the ease with which is cloud of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide can be detonated, these two materials are the most commonly used.

From U.S. Patent 4,293,314: Gelled Fuel-Air Explosive October 6, 1981. by Bertram O. Stull