alkene

noun

al·​kene ˈal-ˌkēn How to pronounce alkene (audio)
: any of numerous unsaturated hydrocarbons having one double bond
specifically : any of a series of open-chain hydrocarbons CnH2n (such as ethylene)

Examples of alkene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Since the rare earth element is located between two nitrogen atoms in a straight line, held in place with an alkene bonded to Dysprosium, the molecule's magnetic performance is significantly better than other SMM. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 27 June 2025 Soft magnetic hysteresis in a dysprosium amide—alkene complex up to 100 kelvin. Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary alkyl + -ene

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkene was in 1884

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alkene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkene. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

alkene

noun
al·​kene ˈal-ˌkēn How to pronounce alkene (audio)
: any of numerous unsaturated hydrocarbons having one double bond
specifically : any of a series of aliphatic hydrocarbons CnH2n (as ethylene)

More from Merriam-Webster on alkene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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