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
These fruits emit ethylene gas, which naturally speeds up the ripening process.
—
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
Breaking up a bunch of bananas can reduce the concentration of ethylene gas.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 June 2025
This method slows down the release of ethylene gas, which is responsible for ripening fruits.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 13 June 2025
By filtering out ethylene gas, ozone, and airborne microbes, clean air solutions can significantly extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
—Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
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Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
Breaking up a bunch of bananas can reduce the concentration of ethylene gas.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 June 2025
This method slows down the release of ethylene gas, which is responsible for ripening fruits.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 13 June 2025
By filtering out ethylene gas, ozone, and airborne microbes, clean air solutions can significantly extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
—Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 29 May 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 21 Jul. 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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