ethylene
eth·yl·ene
noun \ˈeth-ə-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, 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·eni·cal·ly \-ˈlē-ni-k(ə-)lē, -ˈlen-i-k(ə-)lē\ (audio pronunciation) (audio pronunciation) adverb
Learn More About
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up ethylene? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
