Main Entry: acet·y·lene

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈset-^əl-ən, -^əl-ˌēn\

Function: noun

: a colorless gaseous hydrocarbon HC≡CH made especially by the action of water on calcium carbide and used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a fuel (as in welding and soldering)—called also ethyne

—acet·y·le·nic \ə-ˌset-^əl-ˈē-nik, -ˈen-ik\ adjective