ethylene oxide

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, odorless, gaseous, toxic, ring compound, C 2 H 4 O, usually obtained by the oxidation of ethylene: used chiefly in the synthesis of ethylene glycol.

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Etymology

Origin of ethylene oxide

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ethylene oxide

Two toxic air contaminants present in California’s ambient air, acrolein and ethylene oxide, appear to be much stronger carcinogens than previously known, California environmental health officials announced Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 14, 2026

Kevin Wagner, vice president of the medical sterilizer company Sterigenics, messaged asking that nine facilities emitting the carcinogenic gas ethylene oxide, including near Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Charlotte and Atlanta, be exempted.

From Salon ● May 10, 2026

Companies that use or manufacture ethylene oxide and their representatives complained to the EPA and questioned the science that cost them so dearly.

From Salon ● May 5, 2026

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 ● Sep. 15, 2025

Among these are ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.

From U.S. Patent 4,293,314: Gelled Fuel-Air Explosive October 6, 1981. by Stull, Bertram O.