ethionic acid

noun

ethi·​on·​ic acid

¦e|thē|¦änik-,

¦ē|,

|ˌthī|

: an unstable diacid HO₃SCH₂CH₂OSO₃H known only in solution and obtainable by adding water to ethionic anhydride

Word History

Etymology

ethionic International Scientific Vocabulary e- (from ether) + -thion- (from Greek theion brimstone) + -ic

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!