ethephon

American  

[eth-uh-fon] / ˈɛθ əˌfɒn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a solid compound, C 2 H 6 ClO 3 P, used as a growth regulator to accelerate the ripening of tomatoes, citrus fruit, apples, and other crops.

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Etymology

Origin of ethephon

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