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

ether

noun \ˈē-thər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ETHER

1

: a medium that in the wave theory of light permeates all space and transmits transverse waves

2

a : a light volatile flammable liquid C₄H₁₀O used especially formerly chiefly as an anesthetic—called also diethyl ether, ethyl ether, ethyl oxide b : any of various organic compounds characterized by an oxygen atom attached to two carbon atoms

ether

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of a class of organic compounds whose molecular structure has an oxygen atom interposed between two carbon atoms that are part of hydrocarbon molecules. Ethers have the general chemical formula ROR, in which R and R represent the hydrocarbons. They resemble alcohols but generally are less dense, less soluble in water, more volatile, and more inert. They are used in chemical processing, for extraction and separation of chemicals, and as solvents. Some are used as insecticides and soil fumigants. They are also used in medicine and pharmacology. Codeine is the methyl ether of morphine. The term ether often refers to ethyl ether (CHOCH), best known as an anesthetic but also used as a solvent, an extractant, and a reaction medium.