ethylene

noun

eth·​yl·​ene ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 

1

: a colorless flammable gaseous unsaturated hydrocarbon C₂H₄ that is found in coal gas, can be produced by pyrolysis of petroleum hydrocarbons, and occurs in plants functioning especially as a natural growth regulator that promotes the ripening of fruit

2

: a divalent hydrocarbon group C₂H₄ derived from ethane

ethylenic

ˌe-thə-ˈlē-nik  -ˈle-nik 

adjective

Examples of ethylene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The sandals are made from ethylene vinyl acetate, a resin material that’s malleable like rubber, but softer to the touch. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 13 May 2024

Using a femtosecond laser, the researchers welded together solar panel glass without the use of polymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate. —IEEE Spectrum, 9 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ethylene

• ethylene dibromide
• ethylene glycol
• ethylene oxide

Kids Definition

ethylene

noun

eth·​yl·​ene ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn 

: a colorless flammable gas found in coal gas or obtained from petroleum and used to ripen fruits or as an anesthetic

Medical Definition

ethylene

noun

eth·​yl·​ene ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn 

1

: a colorless flammable gaseous unsaturated hydrocarbon C₂H₄ that is found in coal gas, can be produced by pyrolysis of petroleum hydrocarbons, is used in medicine as a general inhalation anesthetic, and occurs in plants functioning especially as a natural growth regulator that promotes the ripening of fruit

called also ethene

2

: a divalent hydrocarbon group C₂H₄ derived from ethane

ethylenic

ˌeth-ə-ˈlē-nik  -ˈlen-ik 

adjective

ethylenically

-ˈlē-ni-k(ə-)lē  -ˈlen-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb