Main Entry: ether

Pronunciation: \ˈē-thər\

Function: noun

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