ethylene

American  

[eth-uh-leen] / ˈɛθ əˌlin /

adjective

1. containing the ethylene group.

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noun

1. Also called ethene, olefiant gas.  a colorless, flammable gas, C 2 H 4 , having a sweet, unpleasant odor and taste, the first member of the ethylene series, usually obtained from petroleum and natural gas: used as an agent to improve the color of citrus fruits, in the synthesis of polyethylene, ethylene dibromide, ethylene oxide, and other organic compounds, and in medicine chiefly as an inhalation anesthetic.

ethylene British  

/ ˈɛθɪˌliːn, ˌɛθɪˈliːnɪk /

noun

1. Also called: ethene.  a colourless flammable gaseous alkene with a sweet odour, obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in the manufacture of polythene and many other chemicals. Formula: CH 2 :CH 2

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ethylene Scientific  

/ ĕth′ə-lēn′ /

1. A colorless, flammable gas that occurs naturally in certain plants and can be obtained from petroleum and natural gas. As a plant hormone, it ripens and colors fruit, and it is manufactured for use in agriculture to speed these processes. It is also used as a fuel and in making plastics. Ethylene is the simplest alkene, consisting of two carbon atoms joined by a double bond and each attached to two hydrogen atoms. Also called ethene. Chemical formula: C ₂ H ₄ .

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Other Word Forms

• ethylenic adjective

Etymology

Origin of ethylene

First recorded in 1850–55; ethyl + -ene

Example Sentences

The company said the high cost of energy at the plant, which also produces ethylene for the plastics industry, was partly to blame for the decision.

From BBC

The ethylene manufacturing facility is to close in February, impacting more than 400 workers and contractors.

From BBC

The site has produced ethylene for about 40 years through a process known as thermal or steam cracking.

From BBC

Three sterilization facilities in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties have been granted EPA exemptions to emit cancer-linked ethylene oxide.

From Los Angeles Times

Higher autism severity scores and weaker daily living skills were also linked with ethylene oxide.

From Salon