acetylene

noun

acet·​y·​lene ə-ˈse-tᵊl-ən 

-tᵊl-ˌēn

: a colorless gaseous hydrocarbon HC≡CH used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a fuel (as in welding and soldering)

acetylenic

ə-ˌse-tᵊl-ˈē-nik 

-ˈe-nik

adjective

Examples of acetylene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Welding or operating acetylene or other open-flame torch devices. —Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 6 June 2024

With instructions from his mentor in the MPS maintenance department’s welding shop, Young lights an acetylene torch. —La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 3 May 2024

Last year an inspection at the Legislative Office Building at 1020 N St. found hazardous materials such as acetylene had been moved there without a permit. —Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 4 Apr. 2024

And at the time, the Model T had acetylene lamps in the front. —Quartz Staff, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French acétylène, from acétyle acetyl + -ène -ene

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

acetylene

noun

acet·​y·​lene ə-ˈset-ᵊl-ən 

-ᵊl-ˌēn

: a compound of carbon and hydrogen that is a colorless gas used chiefly in welding and soldering and in making chemical compounds

Medical Definition

acetylene

noun

acet·​y·​lene ə-ˈset-ᵊl-ən  -ᵊl-ˌēn 

: a colorless gaseous hydrocarbon HC≡CH made especially by the action of water on calcium carbide and used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a fuel (as in welding and soldering)

called also ethyne

acetylenic

ə-ˌset-ᵊl-ˈē-nik  -ˈen-ik 

adjective