olefin

Also o·le·fine

[oh-luh-fin]

noun

Chemistry.

1. any member of the alkene series.

olefin

1. See alkene

Other Word Forms

• olefinic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of olefin¹

1855–60; < French oléf ( iant ) ( olefiant gas ) + -in ²

Example Sentences

No one looked at what happens if the olefin reacts with ozone instead of hydroxyl radicals, he says.

Read more on Science Magazine

The profit crunch is being driven by China's refiners boosting output of olefins such as ethylene to offset an expected decline in sales of petrol and diesel as electric vehicle take-up accelerates.

Read more on Reuters

The fire had started at plant’s olefins unit, which makes plastics and rubber.

Read more on Seattle Times

The fire started while the olefins unit was undergoing routine maintenance.

Read more on Seattle Times

The fire at Shell’s Deer Park Chemicals facility started at about 2:56 p.m. in the olefins unit, the company said on Twitter.

Read more on Washington Times