ethylene glycol

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. glycol.

---

ethylene glycol British  

noun

1. another name for ethanediol

---

ethylene glycol Scientific  

/ glī′kôl′ /

1. A poisonous, syrupy, colorless alcohol used as an antifreeze in heating and cooling systems that use water. Ethylene glycol is chemically like ethanol but has two hydroxyl (OH) groups instead of one. Also called glycol. Chemical formula: C ₂ H ₆ O ₂ .

---

Etymology

Origin of ethylene glycol

First recorded in 1900–05

Compare meaning

How does ethylene-glycol compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• polyethylene glycol vs. ethylene glycol

Example Sentences

The current clinical trial led by Heard and his colleagues is focused on fomepizole, a drug approved to treat poisoning from ethylene glycol and methanol, substances commonly found in antifreeze.

From Science Daily • Jan. 18, 2026

While, propylene glycol is non-toxic and widely used in medicines, cosmetics and food, ethylene glycol is toxic and used in paint, pens and brake fluid.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2023

It’s not to be confused with ethylene glycol, which is used in antifreeze.

From Scientific American • Sep. 15, 2023

The World Health Organization said last year that the India-made cough syrups contained lethal toxins ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol – commonly used in car brake fluid and other products not fit for human consumption.

From Reuters • Jul. 21, 2023

Dilute potassium permanganate solution oxidizes it to ethylene glycol, HO�CH2�CH2�OH, whilst fuming nitric acid converts it into oxalic acid.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 8 "Ethiopia" to "Evangelical Association" by Various