ethylene oxide

noun

: a colorless flammable toxic compound C2H4O used especially in synthesis (as of ethylene glycol) and in sterilization and fumigation

Examples of ethylene oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Prior regulations on commercial sterilizers that use ethylene oxide did not account for the EPA’s latest research. Alejandra Martinez, ProPublica, 15 Mar. 2024 In 2016 — two years after the EPA reviewed the standards — the agency determined that ethylene oxide’s cancer risk was nearly 60 times greater than previously thought. Sarah Elbeshbishi, ProPublica, 20 Sep. 2023 These controls can measure ethylene oxide in indoor air down to 10 parts per billion. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 11 Apr. 2023 Earlier this year, the EPA proposed tougher air pollution rules for chemical plants and other industrial facilities, including placing stricter limits on ethylene oxide — the same chemical released by the plant in Institute. Sarah Elbeshbishi, ProPublica, 20 Sep. 2023 Communities exposed to ethylene oxide gas had lobbied the EPA to put tighter controls on plants that use ethylene oxide gas. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 11 Apr. 2023 The proposal would slash ethylene oxide emissions nationwide by about two-thirds and chloroprene by three-quarters from 2020 levels, according to the agency. Michael Phillis, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2023 The air district has begun screening six facilities that handle more than 4,000 pounds of ethylene oxide a year, but local environmental organizations are demanding more oversight. Tony Briscoestaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Aug. 2022 Overall, styrene and ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic gas, are the top two chemicals released into the air and water in Salinas, officials say. DÁnica Coto, ajc, 29 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ethylene oxide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ethylene oxide was in 1866

Dictionary Entries Near ethylene oxide

Cite this Entry

“Ethylene oxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethylene%20oxide. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

ethylene oxide

noun
: a colorless flammable toxic gaseous or liquid compound C2H4O used especially in synthesis (as of ethylene glycol) and in fumigation and sterilization (as of medical instruments)

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