Word Study
ethylene
CIDE DICTIONARY
ethylene, n. [From Ethyl.].
A colorless, gaseous hydrocarbon, C2H4 , forming an important ingredient of illuminating gas, and also obtained by the action of concentrated sulphuric acid in alcohol. It is an unsaturated compound and combines directly with chlorine and bromine to form oily liquids (Dutch liquid), -- hence called olefiant gas . Called also ethene , elayl , and formerly, bicarbureted hydrogen . [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
ethylene, n. Chem. a gaseous hydrocarbon of the alkene series, occurring in natural gas and used in the manufacture of polythene. Also called ETHENE.
Idiom
ethylene glycol Chem. a colourless viscous hygroscopic liquid used as an antifreeze and in the manufacture of polyesters.
Usage
Chem. formula: C2H6O2.: also called ETHANEDIOL.
Derivative
ethylenic adj.
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