ethylene
noun
eth·yl·ene
ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 
1
: a colorless flammable gaseous unsaturated hydrocarbon C2H4 that is found in coal gas, can be produced by pyrolysis of petroleum hydrocarbons, and occurs in plants functioning especially as a natural growth regulator that promotes the ripening of fruit
2
: a divalent hydrocarbon group C2H4 derived from ethane
Examples of ethylene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Put them in a paper bag with a banana or apple; these fruits give off ethylene gas that can help the tomatoes ripen quicker.
—
Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025
In addition to the wide silhouette, the sneakers have a soft, cushiony sole made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) to provide plush support and absorb impact with each step.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Don't store bulbs with or near fruit, which give off ethylene gas that can interfere with growth.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
Pilot operations have shown that the cost of producing ethylene with this method is comparable to that of traditional fossil fuel sources.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
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Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025
In addition to the wide silhouette, the sneakers have a soft, cushiony sole made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) to provide plush support and absorb impact with each step.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Don't store bulbs with or near fruit, which give off ethylene gas that can interfere with growth.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
Pilot operations have shown that the cost of producing ethylene with this method is comparable to that of traditional fossil fuel sources.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ethylene
Cite this Entry
“Ethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethylene. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ethylene
noun
eth·yl·ene
ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a colorless flammable gas found in coal gas or obtained from petroleum and used to ripen fruits or as an anesthetic
Medical Definition
ethylene
noun
eth·yl·ene
ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
1
: a colorless flammable gaseous unsaturated hydrocarbon C2H4 that is found in coal gas, can be produced by pyrolysis of petroleum hydrocarbons, is used in medicine as a general inhalation anesthetic, and occurs in plants functioning especially as a natural growth regulator that promotes the ripening of fruit
called also ethene
2
: a divalent hydrocarbon group C2H4 derived from ethane
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