ethylene

eth·yl·ene

noun \ˈe-thə-ˌlēn\

Definition of ETHYLENE

1

: a colorless flammable gaseous unsaturated hydrocarbon C₂H₄ that is found in coal gas, can be produced by pyrolysis of petroleum hydrocarbons, and occurs in plants functioning especially as a natural growth regulator that promotes the ripening of fruit

2

: a divalent hydrocarbon group C₂H₄ derived from ethane

— eth·yl·enic \ˌe-thə-ˈlē-nik, -ˈle-nik\ adjective

First Known Use of ETHYLENE

circa 1852

eth·yl·ene

noun \ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ETHYLENE

1

: a colorless flammable gaseous unsaturated hydrocarbon C₂H₄ that is found in coal gas, can be produced by pyrolysis of petroleum hydrocarbons, is used in medicine as a general inhalation anesthetic, and occurs in plants functioning especially as a natural growth regulator that promotes the ripening of fruit—called also ethene

2

: a divalent hydrocarbon group C₂H₄ derived from ethane

—eth·yl·enic \ˌeth-ə-ˈlē-nik, -ˈlen-ik\ adjective

—eth·yl·eni·cal·ly \-ˈlē-ni-k(ə-)lē, -ˈlen-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

ethylene

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Simplest olefin (CHCH), a colourless, flammable gas with a sweetish taste and odour. The petrochemical having the highest volume, it occurs in petroleum and natural gas but is usually produced by heating higher hydrocarbons (usually ethane and ethane-propane mixtures). Ethylene is polymerized to polyethylene either at high pressures and temperatures or by catalysis. It reacts with numerous other chemicals to produce ethanol, solvents, gasoline additives, antifreeze, detergents, and various plastics. In plants, ethylene is a hormone that inhibits growth and promotes leaf fall and fruit ripening.