Dictionary
ethylene
noun eth·yl·ene \ˈe-thə-ˌlēn\
Definition of ETHYLENE
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
— eth·yl·enic \ˌe-thə-ˈlē-nik, -ˈle-nik\ adjective
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First Known Use of ETHYLENE
circa 1852
Medical Dictionary
ethylene
noun eth·yl·ene \ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn\
Medical Definition of ETHYLENE
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
—eth·yl·enic \ˌeth-ə-ˈlē-nik, -ˈlen-ik\ adjective
—eth·yl·eni·cal·ly \-ˈlē-ni-k(ə-)lē, -ˈlen-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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