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ethephon

[eth-uh-fon]
noun Chemistry.
  1. a solid compound, C2H6ClO3P, used as a growth regulator to accelerate the ripening of tomatoes, citrus fruit, apples, and other crops.

Origin of ethephon

1970–75; as shortening of the chemical name 2-chloroethanephosphonic acid; see chlor(o)-2, ethane, phospho-, -onic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018