ethephon

[ eth-uh-fon ]

/ ˈɛθ əˌfɒn /

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noun Chemistry.

a solid compound, C2H6ClO3P, used as a growth regulator to accelerate the ripening of tomatoes, citrus fruit, apples, and other crops.

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Origin of ethephon

First recorded in 1970–75; shortening of the chemical name 2-chloroethanephosphonic acid;see chlor-², ethane, phospho-, -onic