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

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

From Salon • Aug. 21, 2025

Specifically, chronic exposure to ethylene oxide over many years increases the risk of cancers of the white blood cells, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as breast cancer, according to the EPA.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2025

Robo said at least 10 more sterilization plants in California are governed by the ethylene oxide standards, and it’s likely that they have also applied for an exemption.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2025

The Spices Board - which has five quality evaluation labs - has issued guidelines to exporters to check for use of ethylene oxide.

From BBC • May 14, 2024

Left alone in a fuel air explosive weapon or other container, ethylene oxide tends to self polymerize.

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