acetylene

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noun acet·y·lene \ə-ˈse-t^əl-ən, -t^əl-ˌēn\

Definition of acetylene

: a colorless gaseous hydrocarbon HC≡CH used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a fuel (as in welding and soldering)

acetylenic

play \ə-ˌse-t^əl-ˈē-nik, -ˈe-nik\ adjective

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Recent Examples of acetylene from the Web

Astronauts on a mission to Mars will need robotic helpers, but the proposition of packing them in bulk quantities or bringing bulky manufacturing rigs and explosive gases for acetylene torches to manufacture them on site isn’t feasible.

— joseph flaherty, WIRED, "The Deep Design Thinking Behind MIT’s Incredible Origami Robot", 12 Aug. 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'acetylene'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of acetylene

1851

ACETYLENE Defined for English Language Learners

acetylene

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noun

Definition of acetylene for English Language Learners

: a gas that burns with a very hot flame which is used to melt and connect pieces of metal

Medical Dictionary

acetylene

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noun acet·y·lene \ə-ˈset-^əl-ən, -^əl-ˌēn\

Medical Definition of acetylene

: 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