eth·yl·ene ( th  -l n )n. A colorless flammable gas, C2H4, derived from natural gas and petroleum and used as a source of many organic compounds, in welding and cutting metals, to color citrus fruits, and as an anesthetic. Also called ethene. eth yl·enic (--ln k, -lnk) adj. |
ethylene [ˈɛθɪˌliːn]
n
(Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) a colourless flammable gaseous alkene with a sweet odour, obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in the manufacture of polythene and many other chemicals. Formula: CH2:CH2 Also called ethene
ethylenic [ˌɛθɪˈliːnɪk] adj
| ethylene (th-ln) A colorless, flammable gas that occurs naturally in certain plants and can be obtained from petroleum and natural gas. As a plant hormone, it ripens and colors fruit, and it is manufactured for use in agriculture to speed these processes. It is also used as a fuel and in making plastics. Ethylene is the simplest alkene, consisting of two carbon atoms joined by a double bond and each attached to two hydrogen atoms. Also called ethene. Chemical formula: C2H4. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | ethylene - a flammable colorless gaseous alkene; obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in manufacturing many other chemicals; sometimes used as an anesthetic TCE, trichloroethane, trichloroethylene - a heavy colorless highly toxic liquid used as a solvent to clean electronic components and for dry cleaning and as a fumigant; causes cancer and liver and lung damage gas - a fluid in the gaseous state having neither independent shape nor volume and being able to expand indefinitely |
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