cyclooctatetraene

noun

cy·​clo·​octa·​tet·​ra·​ene
plural -s
: a liquid unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon C8H8 that resembles benzene in its cyclic completely conjugated structure but is much more reactive than benzene and is usually made by catalytic polymerization of acetylene under pressure

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary cycl- + octa- + tetra- + -ene

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near cyclooctatetraene

Cite this Entry

“Cyclooctatetraene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyclooctatetraene. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!