ethyl

American  

[eth-uhl] / ˈɛθ əl /

adjective

1. Chemistry. containing the ethyl group, as ethyl ether, C 4 H 10 O.

---

noun

1. a type of antiknock fluid, containing tetraethyl lead and other ingredients for a more even combustion.

ethyl British  

/ ˈɛθɪl, ɪˈθɪlɪk, ˈiːθaɪl /

noun

1. (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group C 2 H 5-

   ethyl group or radical

---

ethyl Scientific  

/ ĕth′əl /

1. The radical C ₂ H ₅, derived from ethane.

---

Other Word Forms

• ethylic adjective
• nonethyl noun

Etymology

Origin of ethyl

From German Ethyl, coined by J. von Liebig in 1834; ether, -yl

Compare meaning

How does ethyl compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• methyl vs. ethyl

Example Sentences

Patients are treated by removal of the maggots, which need to be killed by putting them into a sealed container of concentrated ethyl or isopropyl alcohol then disposed of as biohazardous waste.

From Los Angeles Times

Local media reported that ethyl acetate, a highly flammable chemical compound, was found at the attack sites.

From BBC

Centers for Disease Control says chloroethane, which is also called ethyl chloride, is a colorless gas with a sharp odor that can also exist as a quick-evaporating liquid.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2018, for instance, the FDA withdrew authorization for certain synthetic flavors—including benzophenone, ethyl acrylate, and eugenyl methyl ether—used to mimic flavors like mint, cinnamon and citrus in processed foods.

From Salon

He then filled in the skeleton’s holes with ethyl cellulose, a tough biodegradable polymer.

From Science Magazine