Meaning of ETHYLENE
| Pronunciation: | | 'ethu`leen
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 WordNet Dictionary |
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| | Definition: | | [n] a flammable colorless gaseous alkene; obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in manufacturing many other chemicals; sometimes used as an anesthetic |
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| | Synonyms: | | ethene |
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| | See Also: | | alkene, gas, olefin, olefine | |
| Webster's 1913 Dictionary |
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| | Definition: | | \Eth"yl*ene\ (-[=e]n), n. [From {Ethyl}.] (Chem.)
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}.
{Ethylene series} (Chem.), the series of unsaturated
hydrocarbons of which ethylene is the type, and
represented by the general formula {CnH2n}.
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| Biology Dictionary |
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| | Definition: | | A gas produced naturally by fruits (especially apples and bannanas), fungi and some bacteria which stimulates ripening and germination (though treating a plant with ethylene after it sprouts can inhibit its growth). Ethylene is also a by-product of natural gas combustion, and people with gas-heated homes may have problems growing their houseplants. |
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