Word Study
acetylene
CIDE DICTIONARY
acetylene, n.
A gaseous compound of carbon and hydrogen, in the proportion of two atoms of the former to two of the latter. It is a colorless gas, with a peculiar, unpleasant odor, and is produced for use as an illuminating gas in a number of ways, but chiefly by the action of water on calcium carbide. Its light is very brilliant. Watts. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
acetylene, n. a colourless hydrocarbon gas, burning with a bright flame, used esp. in welding and formerly in lighting. Also called ETHYNE.
Usage
Chem. formula: C2H2
Etymology
ACETIC + -YL + -ENE
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