ethylene oxide

noun

: a colorless flammable toxic compound C₂H₄O used especially in synthesis (as of ethylene glycol) and in sterilization and fumigation

Examples of ethylene oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, several people have sued the sterilizing company, claiming their health has been affected by the ethylene oxide emissions. —Andy Miller, USA TODAY, 29 Apr. 2024

The rule targets ethylene oxide, used for sterilizing medical devices, and chloroprene, used to make rubber in footwear, plus four other chemicals. —Peter Weber, theweek, 10 Apr. 2024

Art Wager On Tuesday, the US Environmental Protection Agency announced new rules that are intended to cut emissions of two chemicals that have been linked to elevated incidence of cancer: ethylene oxide and chloroprene. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 9 Apr. 2024

ProPublica’s analysis of emissions data found that between 2014 and 2018 ethylene oxide was the single biggest contributor to excess industrial cancer risk from air pollutants nationwide. —Ava Kofman, ProPublica, 16 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ethylene oxide

noun

: a colorless flammable toxic gaseous or liquid compound C₂H₄O used especially in synthesis (as of ethylene glycol) and in fumigation and sterilization (as of medical instruments)