olefiant gas

[ oh-luh-fahy-uhnt, oh-lee-fee-, oh-lef-ee- ]

noun

1. ethylene ( def 2 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of olefiant gas¹

1800–10; part translation of French gaz oléfiant, equivalent to olé- (< Latin oleum oil ) + -fiant, present participle of -fier -fy; -ant

Example Sentences

One pound of common oil yields about 15 feet of olefiant gas.

From Project Gutenberg

This was at one time called the olefiant gas, because when mixed with chlorine an oily looking compound was produced.

From Project Gutenberg

In the estimations of the composition of the gases given above, this vapour is included under olefiant gas.

From Project Gutenberg

Olefiant gas may therefore be expected to evolve a double quantity of carbon in its flame, which should emit a double light.

From Project Gutenberg

A similar relation holds good between marsh gas and olefiant gas (ethylene).

From Project Gutenberg