ethephon

[ eth-uh-fon ]

/ ˈɛθ əˌfɒn /

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

QUIZZES

Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.

Question 1 of 8

Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?

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