ethanolamine

noun

eth·a·nol·amine ˌe-thə-ˈnä-lə-ˌmēn

-ˈnō-,

British also ˌē-

: a colorless liquid amino alcohol C₂H₇NO used especially as a solvent in the synthesis of detergents and in gas purification

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Although never before spotted in space, astronomers have found ethanolamine in meteorites. —

The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 27 May 2021

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

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ethanolamine was in 1897

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ethanolamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethanolamine. Accessed 3 Feb. 2023.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

ethanolamine

noun

eth·a·nol·amine ˌeth-ə-ˈnäl-ə-ˌmēn

-ˈnōl-

: a colorless liquid amino alcohol C₂H₇NO used especially as a solvent for fats and oils, as soap in emulsions (as lotions or creams) when combined with fatty acids, and in gas purification

called also monoethanolamine