cyclooctatetraene

noun

cy·​clo·​octa·​tet·​ra·​ene
plural -s
: a liquid unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon C8H8 that resembles benzene in its cyclic completely conjugated structure but is much more reactive than benzene and is usually made by catalytic polymerization of acetylene under pressure

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary cycl- + octa- + tetra- + -ene

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near cyclooctatetraene

Cite this Entry

“Cyclooctatetraene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyclooctatetraene. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!