ethephon
noun
eth·e·phon
ˈe-thə-ˌfän 
: a synthetic plant growth regulator C2H6ClO3P that induces flowering and abscission by promoting the release of ethylene and has been used to cause early ripening (as of apples on the tree)
Word History
Etymology
ethyl + phosphonic acid (a dibasic organic acid)
First Known Use
1971, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near ethephon
Cite this Entry
“Ethephon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethephon. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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