ethyl

noun

eth·​yl ˈe-thəl 

: an alkyl radical CH₃CH₂− derived from ethane

ethylic

e-ˈthi-lik 

adjective

Examples of ethyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The following preferred scent was ethyl butyrate, a fruity, pineapple-like odor. — Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Apr. 2022

While each of these forms offer health benefits, ethyl esters have the lowest absorption rate. — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2022

The decadent formula melds coconut cream with fresh okra and macadamia ethyl to protect hair from environmental factors. — Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 May 2022

Form Fish oil supplements are available in various forms, the most common being ethyl esters and triglycerides. — Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 12 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

German Ethyl (now Äthyl), from Äther ether + -yl

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ethyl

• ethyl acetate
• ethyl alcohol
• ethyl cellulose
• ethyl chloride
• ethyl ether
• methyl ethyl ketone

Rhymes for ethyl

• ethel
• methyl
• chloroethyl
• chloromethyl
• monomethyl
• tetramethyl
• diethyl
• dimethyl
• tetraethyl
• trimethyl
• hydroxyethyl
• hydroxymethyl

Medical Definition

ethyl

noun

eth·​yl

ˈeth-əl, British also ˈē-ˌthīl

: a monovalent hydrocarbon radical C₂H₅

ethylic

e-ˈthil-ik 

adjective