ether

ether

noun \ˈē-thər\

Definition of ETHER

1

a : the rarefied element formerly believed to fill the upper regions of space b : the upper regions of space : heavens

2

a also ae·ther : a medium that in the wave theory of light permeates all space and transmits transverse waves b : airwaves

3

a : a light volatile flammable liquid C₄H₁₀O used chiefly as a solvent and especially formerly as an anesthetic b : any of a class of organic compounds characterized by an oxygen atom attached to two carbon atoms

— ethe·ric \i-ˈther-ik, -ˈthir-\ adjective

Examples of ETHER

1. The balloon disappeared into the ether.

Origin of ETHER

Middle English, from Latin aether, from Greek aithēr, from aithein to ignite, blaze; akin to Old English ād pyre — more at edify

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous