alkene

noun

al·​kene ˈal-ˌkēn 

: any of numerous unsaturated hydrocarbons having one double bond

specifically : any of a series of open-chain hydrocarbons C_nH_2n (such as ethylene)

Examples of alkene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Also called alkenes, the most important examples in industry include ethylene and propylene. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for alkene

• agin
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between
• bromine
• butene

Medical Definition

alkene

noun

al·​kene ˈal-ˌkēn 

: any of numerous unsaturated hydrocarbons having one double bond

specifically : any of a series of aliphatic hydrocarbons C_nH_2n (as ethylene)